A US racing legend, he had both his legs amputated in a horrific crash at the Lausitztring CART event. His recovery from almost certain death was astonishing. He returned to racing remarkably quickly, using special hand controls, with two artificial legs. He announced a return to full time driving in the ETCC for 2004, and then raced in the WTCC for 5 seasons, whilst he also won the Italian title in 2005! He released his biography in 2004, and even made a return to F1, in 2006, with a test for BMW. He also raced in the New York and Rome Marathons, using a specially adapted wheelchair and won the Rome Marathon in 2016. He continued along these lines and in the 2012 Paralympic Games, he won two gold medals to not only continue his remarkable success, but to inspire many more people. After debating about a racing return, he announced he would compete at the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016, however in 2014, he decided that he would also race in the Blancpain Series and did this again in 2015. He again won two Paralympic golds in paracycling in 2016, but then focused back on racing, with appearances at historic events, touring cars and the odd GT drive. In 2020, competing both for fun and as part of his training for the Tokyo Olympics, Alex was hand-cycling when he collided with a lorry near Pienza on the 19th June. Taken to a hospital in Siena with serious injuries, he was in an artificial coma whilst his neurological state was fully assessed and his facial injuries healed. In December 2020, it was announced that Zanardi recovered his hearing and sight and was able to respond to questions and recognise his wife as he continued the next stage of his recovery. Thereafter, though, there were no updates until his death, aged 59, on the 1st May 2026. A truly inspirational, incredible man, he will be long remembered for both his driving and his personality.

Biography last updated 2 May 2026