Formula 1 figures pay tribute to Zanardi

A number of Formula 1 figures have paid tribute to the inspirational Alex Zanardi, following his sudden death at the age of 59.

Zanardi’s family announced the motorsport and Paralympic legend had passed away on Friday evening, “surrounded by the love of his family and friends”. The Italian raced in F1 from 1991-1994, and again with Williams in 1999, while also winning two CART championships and four Paralympic gold medals in a remarkable career in which he fought back from losing both legs in a crash at the Lausitzring in 2001.

Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali led the tributes to his countryman, with F1 set to hold a minute’s silence in Zanardi’s memory on the grid prior to today’s Sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi,” Domenicali said. “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.

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

“At this time, my heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife Daniela, his son Niccolò, the rest of the family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also referenced Zanardi’s inspiration and strength, after the Italian also suffered a severe head injury in a hand-cycling race in 2020.

“Alex Zanardi was an incredible sportsman and a remarkable human being,” Ben Sulayem said. “He inspired countless people with his courage, passion for competition and a steadfast refusal to be defined by tragedy.

“My deepest condolences to his family. His legacy will endure as that of one of the most inspirational figures in the history of not just motorsport, but all of sport.”

A separate statement from the FIA described Zanardi as “one of sport’s most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination”, while Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff highlighted the attitude with which Zanardi tackled so many challenges.

“In motor racing, we talk a lot about courage,” Wolff said. “Every now and then you meet someone who truly defines what that means. Alex Zanardi was that person.

“As a young racing driver, I admired Alex’s skills behind-the-wheel. What he achieved, particularly in America, showed what a talent he was. What he achieved after his accident was even more inspiring though. He showed that even when life challenges you, it does not have to define you. That adversity can be overcome with humility, humor and optimism.

“His example will continue to inspire and act as a reminder of what true courage really looks like.”

Amid multiple team messages on social media, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown added: “Alex Zanardi was an amazing driver, a fierce competitor and a personal inspiration to me. We are all deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Our thoughts are with all of his friends and family.”