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Motorsport

Martin Brundle, Toto Wolff and Stefano Domenicali lead emotional Alex Zanardi tributes

Alex Zanardi Martin Brundle Toto Wolff Stefano Domenicali Naomi Schiff F1 Sky Sports

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff and former driver-turned-Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle have paid tribute to Alex Zanardi.

Zanardi passed away on 1 May surrounded by his family.

"It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday ‌evening, ⁠1 May," Zanardi's family said in a statement.

"Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him."

Zanardi raced in F1 between 1991 and 1994, and again in 1999. He also competed in the IndyCar Series from 1996 to 2001 and in the World Touring Car Championship from 2005 to 2009. After suffering a horrific crash in 2001, which resulted in the amputation of both of his legs, Zanardi went on to compete in hand cycling in the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, winning four gold medals and two silver medals.

Tributes have already begun pouring in for Zanardi.

Martin Brundle

Speaking after the one-minute silence for the Italian ahead of the Miami sprint race, Brundle said to Sky Sports F1: "He was the most wonderful character and extraordinary individual. The accident he had in 2001 when he lost his legs, people did not expect him to survive.

"But he made it and within a couple of years he was in touring car racing, then got into hand cycling, winning gold medals at the Paralympics in 2012 and 2016. He had a relentless competitive nature against all odds and challenges.

"Then he had another accident with a truck in 2020 and we hadn't heard too much in recent years. But what an incredible character and inspiration for everybody."

Alex Zanardi, BMW Team RMR (Photo by: Alexander Trienitz)

Stefano Domenicali

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi," the F1 CEO said in a statement.

"He was truly an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete. I will always carry with me his extraordinary strength.

"He faced challenges that would have stopped anyone, yet he continued to look forward, always with a smile and a stubborn determination that inspired us all.

"While his loss is profoundly felt, his legacy remains strong. At this time, my heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife Daniela, his son Niccolò, the rest of the family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him."

Toto Wolff

"In motor racing, we talk a lot about courage. Every now and then you meet someone who truly defines what that means. Alex Zanardi was that person," Wolff said.

"As a young racing driver, I admired Alex’s skills behind-the-wheel. What he achieved, particularly in America, showed what a talent he was. What he achieved after his accident was even more inspiring, though. He showed that even when life challenges you, it does not have to define you. That adversity can be overcome with humility, humour and optimism.

"His example will continue to inspire and act as a reminder of what true courage really looks like."

Naomi Schiff

"I was fortunate to race for his kart team alongside Nyck de Vries and met him on a couple of occasions," former W Series driver and Sky Sports F1 presenter Schiff said.

"He's a wonderful character - quite funny, brutally honest when he needed to be - but he redefined what a life in sport can look like and to show how you can continue on after something unfortunate."

Chip Ganassi

"Chip Ganassi Racing and the whole racing community has lost more than a legend — the world has lost one of its most extraordinary human beings," Ganassi wrote on X.

"Alex Zanardi was the definition of resilience, courage, and grace. He was integral in shaping Chip Ganassi Racing into what it has become. From the highest levels of motorsport to his incredible achievements beyond it, he showed us all what it truly means to fight, to adapt, and to live with purpose. His strength inspired millions, but it was his humility, kindness, and unwavering positivity that made him unforgettable.

"He didn’t just overcome adversity — he redefined what was possible.

"Rest in peace, Alex. Your legacy will continue to push us forward, on and off the track."

Zak Brown

The McLaren Racing CEO posted on X: "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."

Andrea Stella

While speaking to Sky Sports F1 after his driver Lando Norris won the Miami sprint race, McLaren F1 team principal Stella said: "But before we talk about that, allow me, please, to remember and pay tribute to Alex Zanardi, a very special man, driver, athlete, a real symbol and example of what it means to love life, love life and inspiration for everyone. So this victory is for him."

James Vowles

Williams team principal Vowles wrote on X: "I am deeply saddened to learn that Alex Zanardi has passed away. He was an incredible competitor whose will to win was extraordinary, and the way that he redefined himself after his accident to turn adversity into triumph at a Paralympic level was truly inspirational. RIP Alex."