‘He was extraordinary’ – The F1 paddock pays tribute to Alex Zanardi

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Figures inside the F1 paddock, including Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff and 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill, have led tributes to Alessandro Zanardi – or Alex as he was more colloquially known – following the Italian’s death at the age of 59. Zanardi raced in Formula 1 across two stints in the 1990s, driving for Lotus, Minardi, Jordan and Williams across 41 Grands Prix. However, he found more fortune in IndyCar, winning back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998, only for a 2001 crash at the Lausitzring to necessitate the amputation of both of his legs. However, the Italian returned to racing cars – fitted with hand controls to operate the brake and throttle – within two years, while a move to racing handbikes would lead to him claiming gold medals in both the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics. A 2020 handbike crash, however, left Zanardi with serious facial and cranial injuries – with Zanardi passing away on May 1, 2026 in his birth town of Bologna, Italy. Leading the tributes to the Italian, F1’s CEO and 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. “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.” “It’s incredibly sad,” 1996 champion Damon Hill told F1.com. “He had far too much bad luck in his life, I feel, for someone who was so passionate and indomitable. He showed what he was made of when he came back after losing his legs, competing in the Paralympics and all the other competitions he did. “The first time I came across him was in Formula 3000, when he was racing for the Barone Rampante team. I watched his career from there onwards… I was always impressed when I heard what he was up to with the Paralympics. “As an individual, he was extraordinary. He seemed like he had that classic Italian enthusiasm for everything he did, which was impressive. Ultimately, it's very sad that he's left us.” Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, meanwhile, spoke of the Italian’s “true courage”, saying: “In motor racing, we talk a lot about courage. 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, humour and optimism. “His example will continue to inspire and act as a reminder of what true courage really looks like.” Meanwhile, the likes of Carlos Sainz, Williams Team Principal James Vowles, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and former F1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen all took to social media to offer their own tributes to Zanardi. Read those tributes to Alex Zanardi below. 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