Remembering Alex Zanardi: F1 driver, paralympian, and an unstoppable spirit

On Friday, May 1, 2026, sport lost a great champion and a great man. Alex Zanardi, aged 59, passed away in Padua, Italy, not far from where he was born in Bologna. 

His spirit lives on through his wife, Daniela, and their son, Niccolo. 

The Italian was a Formula 1 driver, two-time CART (now IndyCar) champion, and Paralympic medalist in handcycling.

In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Katie Butler reflects on his legendary career.