Former F1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies aged 59
Zanardi made his F1 debut in 1991 and later became a four-time Paralympic gold medallist after losing both his legs in a high-speed crash.
news.stv.tvAlex Zanardi has died. His family announced his passing on May 1, 2026, at age 59, after a long battle following his 2020 handbike crash. The news was reported by multiple outlets late in 2026 and confirmed by his family on social media.[1][2][3]
Key points
- Zanardi was a former Formula 1 driver who later became a celebrated Paralympic athlete, winning multiple gold medals in cycling events.[4]
- He survived a severe crash in 2001 that resulted in the loss of his legs and went on to a remarkable career in rehabilitation and sport, including Olympic medals in 2016 Rio de Janeiro.[1][4]
- His passing was mourned by the sports community, with tributes from Formula 1 figures and broader sporting circles.[5][4]
If you’d like, I can pull a few recent tributes or compile a concise timeline of Zanardi’s career highlights. I can also provide context on his impact in motorsport and Paralympic sport.