The McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team is saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Zanardi. We extend our deepest condolences to his family. Former F1 driver, two-time CART champion, and multiple Paralympic gold medallist Alessandro ‘Alex’ Zanardi was an abundantly talented racer, a much-admired competitor, and an enthusiastic, passionate presence wherever he went. There are many at McLaren who counted Alex as a friend, as will be the case in every garage here at the Miami International Autodrome. Born in Bologna, Alex raced karts as a teenager, making the switch to Italian F3 in 1988. He won the European Formula Three Cup in 1990, and embarked on an F3000 campaign in 1991, where he was a serial winner. That brought him to the attention of Jordan Grand Prix, and he made his F1 debut at the 1991 Spanish Grand Prix, contesting the final three races of the season. Over the next few years, Alex raced for Minardi and Lotus, gaining a reputation as a passionate and good-humoured competitor, with an excellent technical understanding of his machinery. It was, however, in the US, where Alex achieved his greatest motorsport triumphs. Joining Chip Ganassi for 1996, he was an instant hit, winning three races in his rookie CART season, before taking back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998. His enduring popularity in the F1 paddock, combined with the profile CART championships had afforded him, led to a second stint in F1, joining Williams for 1999. The car, however, was disappointing, and Alex returned to North America to resume his career in CART. In 2001, in a CART race at the Lausitzring, he suffered a devastating accident, which nearly cost him his life, and led to the amputation of both legs. With incredible courage – but not to the surprise of anyone who knew him – Alex fought his way back to fitness, and returned to racing less than two years later, forging a new career in touring car and GT racing, driving cars fitted with hand controls. He raced in the FIA European Touring Car Championship, which became the World Touring Car Championship, and took his first WTCC victory at Oschersleben. He took three more WTCC wins, and also appeared in Blancpain, DTM and a late career appearance at the 2019 24 Hours of Daytona Alex’s triumphs, however, extended far beyond the race track. He took up the sport of hand-cycling and became a much-feted Paralympic competitor, winning Gold in his class at London 2012 in the Road Race and Road Time Trial events, Silver in the Road Team Relay, and Gold at Rio 2016 in the Road Time Trial and the Mixed Team Relay, with Silver in the Road Race. He also had great success in marathons, triathalon, endurance and Ironman events. In 2020, Zanardi sustained serious head injuries in a collision with a truck while competing in the Obiettivo Tricolore handbike race in Tuscany. Once again, he embarked on another gruelling rehabilitation. Alex’s courage and determination were an inspiration to athletes and racers the world over. His death leaves a void across the extent of motorsport and far beyond.
“Alex Zanardi was an amazing driver, a fierce competitor and a personal inspiration to me. We are all deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Our thoughts are with all of his friends and family.”
