Alex Zanardi: Former Formula 1 driver and London 2012 Paralympic champion dies at the age of 59

The Italian had both of his legs amputated after a crash at Germany's Lausitzring in 2001, with his subsequent switch from motorsport to handcycling inspiring legions of fans.

His Formula 1 career began in the early 1990s before he switched to the CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) championship on the US circuit.

Zanardi claimed three wins and six poles in his debut season in the US, earning the Rookie of the Year award in the process.

He would go on to win the series in 1997 and 1998 and became affectionately known as 'The Donut King' for his iconic celebration.

Zanardi returned to F1 to race for Williams in the 1999 season, initially penning a three-year contract, which was terminated after just 12 months.

After a failed attempt to return to Formula 1, Zanardi sought to make a comeback in the CART series, but disaster struck in 2001 when, after a late pit stop at the Lausitzring in Germany, he attempted to merge back onto the track. He crashed into Alex Tagliani.

As a result of the crash, Zanardi was forced to have both legs amputated and was fitted with two prosthetic limbs.

He briefly returned to racing in specifically modified cars, before taking up handcycling in 2007.

Zanardi went on to win two gold medals at the 2012 Paralympics in London, and a further two in Rio in 2016, while claiming one silver at each.

In 2020, he sustained serious head injuries when he lost control of his handbike during a race in Tuscany and collided with an oncoming truck.

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

"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."

The FIA took the chance to praise Zanardi's "courage and determination" in a statement following his passing.

"The FIA is saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Zanardi, the former Formula 1 driver, two-time CART champion whose 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," the FIA's statement read.

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni added: "Italy loses a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every trial of life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity.

"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."

The International Paralympic Committee also paid tribute to Zanardi following his passing.

"His performances were truly out of this world, engaged new fans to the Games, and showed the world that anything is possible," a statement read.

"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."