Alex Zanardi, up close

Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies at the age of 59. Alex Zanardi has emerged this Saturday as one of the stories drawing attention in Greece.

Key facts

• Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies at the age of 59.
• Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59.
• Alessandro Zanardi also raced in Formula 1 as a team-mate of Ralf Schumacher.
• The Italian ex-racing driver Alessandro Zanardi has died at the age of 59. (archive picture).
• She added: "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.

What we know

Going deeper, Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59.

On the substance, Alessandro Zanardi also raced in Formula 1 as a team-mate of Ralf Schumacher.

Beyond the headlines, the Italian ex-racing driver Alessandro Zanardi has died at the age of 59. (archive picture).

More precisely, She added: "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.

It is worth noting that Zanardi returned to motorsport after his crash, winning four times for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship from 2005-09.

By the numbers

“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly on the evening of yesterday, May 1,” read a statement released by his family on social media.

On a related note, Zanardi suffered serious head injuries in 2020 when he lost control of his handbike during a road race in Tuscany and crashed into an oncoming truck.

Going deeper, Formula 1's governing body the FIA said, external Zanardi's "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".

On the substance, the sporting world mourns the Bologna-born CART champion and Paralympic gold medallist, who passed away on May 1 nearly six years after a terrible crash while taking part in a handbike relay.

What they're saying

“America is far away, on the other side of the moon,” sang Lucio Dalla, another son of Bologna.

The wider context

On a related note, If we close our eyes, that’s how Alex Zanardi comes to mind.

Going deeper, In 1995, Zanardi signed with Ganassi, beginning his epic run in the United States, winning two CART titles (now IndyCar).

On the substance, On September 15, 2001, at the Lausitzring, with 13 laps to go, Zanardi lost control of his car exiting the pits due to fluids on the track.

Beyond the headlines, after six weeks in hospital and 15 operations: Zanardi returned home to begin rehabilitation.

More precisely, On June 19, 2020, while taking part in a stage of the Obiettivo 3 relay – an event involving Paralympic handbike athletes

The bottom line

• The Italian ex-racing driver Alessandro Zanardi has died at the age of 59. (archive picture).
• The sporting world mourns the Bologna-born CART champion and Paralympic gold medallist, who passed away on May 1 nearly six years after a terrible crash while taking part in a handbike relay.
• After six weeks in hospital and 15 operations: Zanardi returned home to begin rehabilitation.