Ex F1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies 'suddenly'

Former Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59.

The family of the Italian racing champion, who went on to become a Paralympic gold medalist, said in a statement that he died on Friday night.

"It is with deep sorrow ​that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday ‌evening, ⁠1 May," they said.

"Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him."

Zanardi made his F1 debut in 1991 and later achieved success in the CART series in the United States, ​winning back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998.

He lost both of his legs in a racing crash in September 2001. During his recovery, he designed his own prosthetics, joking he made himself taller, and learned to walk again.

He then turned his attention to hand cycling and went on to win four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics.

In 2020 he was seriously injured after being struck by a truck while competing in a charity paracycling relay in Tuscany.

He sustained serious head injuries and spent years undergoing treatment.

Read more from Sky News:
EU hits back at 'unacceptable' Trump over tariffs plan
Man arrested on suspicion of bomb hoax after Peter Kay gig evacuation

'Italy loses a great champion', Giorgia Meloni says

"Italy loses a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every challenge of life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity," Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on X.

"Alex Zanardi knew how to bounce back every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity, and a strength of spirit that was truly exceptional," she added.

"With his sporting achievements, with his example, and with his humanity, he gave all of us much more than a victory: he gave hope, pride, and the strength to never give up. On behalf of myself and the government, I extend my heartfelt thoughts and the sincerest closeness to his family and to all those who loved him. Thank you for everything, Alex."

'One of sport's most admired competitors'

F1 president Stefano Domenicali said: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi. He was truly an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete.

"I will always carry with me his extraordinary strength. He faced challenges that would have stopped anyone, yet he continued to look forward, always with a smile and a stubborn determination that inspired us all."

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said Zanardi's racing career and "journey from life-changing accident to Paralympics gold medalist made him one of sport's most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination."

The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) has called for a minute of silence to be observed at all sports events in Italy over the weekend in honour of Zanardi.

"We've lost a great champion and a great man, who was capable of bouncing back multiple times when faced with life's difficulties," CONI president Luciano Buonfiglio said.

(c) Sky News 2026: Ex F1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies 'suddenly'