Overview
- His family announced his sudden death on May 1 at age 59, saying he died peacefully and asking for privacy while not specifying a cause.
- Zanardi rose from Formula 1 to the top tier of U.S. open‑wheel racing, winning the CART championships in 1997 and 1998 with Chip Ganassi Racing and taking 15 wins.
- He lost both legs after a horrific 2001 crash at Germany’s Lausitzring, underwent many surgeries, and later returned to competition in touring cars using BMW‑adapted controls.
- He reinvented himself in handcycling, winning the New York City Marathon in his category and earning four Paralympic golds across London 2012 and Rio 2016, plus additional podiums.
- Leaders and institutions from Formula 1 to Italy’s government issued tributes, with figures like F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praising his inspiration, and funeral details expected at a later date.