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

The Italian had both his legs amputated after an accident in a race in the US-based Champ Car championship at Germany’s Lausitzring in 2001.

He raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in F1 in the early 1990s before switching to the Cart championship in the United States, winning the series in 1997 and 1998, before returning to F1 for the 1999 season with Williams.

Following his injury he took up handcycling and won two golds in the Paralympics in London in 2012 before doing the same in Rio de Janeiro four years later.

“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, 1 May,” Zanardi’s family announced.

“Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

“The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this period of mourning.”

Zanardi returned to motorsport after his crash, winning four times for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship from 2005-09.

In addition to his handcycling success at the Paralympics, he became a 12-time world champion and won the men’s para-cycling race at the New York marathon in 2011.

Bologna-born Zanardi suffered serious head injuries in 2020 when he lost control of his handbike during a road race in Tuscany and crashed into an oncoming truck.

Formula 1’s governing body the FIA said, external Zanardi’s “journey from life-changing accident to Paralympics gold medallist made him one of sport’s most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination”.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, external her country had lost “a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every trial of life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity”.

She added: “Alex Zanardi knew how to get back in the game every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity, and a strength of spirit that was truly exceptional.

“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.”

Zanardi won the H4 time trial and H4 road race at London 2012 and was selected to be the Italy team’s flagbearer at the closing ceremony.

At Rio 2016, he won gold in the H5 time trial and relay.

The International Paralympic Committee called Zanardi “a pioneer, icon and legend of the Paralympic movement”.

It added: “His performances were truly out of this world, engaged new fans to the Games, and showed the world that anything is possible.

“The iconic picture of him raising his handcycle above his head in victory at London 2012 will go down in history as one of the great sporting images. He will be remembered forever.

“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”

Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali described Zanardi as “an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete”.

“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,” added Domenicali.

“While his loss is profoundly felt, his legacy remains strong.”

BBC