Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59. He is remembered for his wide smile and his racing suit. Zanardi was known for racing with four wheels or three.
It feels strange to say that Alex Zanardi is no longer with us. He passed away on a spring day. May 1 has never been an ordinary date for motorsport since 1994.
Early Career and Formula 1
Zanardi was born in Bologna in 1966 and raised in Castel Maggiore. He began karting at age 14, followed by a climb to single-seaters. In 1988, he raced in Italian Formula 3, and in 1991, Formula 3000. That same year, he had his first experience in Formula 1 with Jordan.
Zanardi made his debut at the Spanish Grand Prix, finishing ninth. He repeated the result in Australia. The following year, he raced briefly with Minardi, then with Lotus in 1993–1994.
American Dream and the Lausitzring Accident
In 1995, Zanardi signed with Ganassi, beginning his time in the United States. He won two CART titles (now IndyCar). This was also the category that put him at the first great crossroads of his life.
On September 15, 2001, at the Lausitzring, Zanardi lost control of his car exiting the pits with 13 laps to go, due to fluids on the track. His car spun across the circuit and was struck by Alex Tagliani. Zanardi lost both legs in the impact. His condition immediately appeared desperate.
He was given last rites by the IndyCar chaplain at the Berlin hospital where he was admitted. After six weeks in hospital and 15 operations, Zanardi returned home to begin rehabilitation.
Refusal to Give Up
Zanardi’s determination and sense of humour defined him. Weeks after the Lausitzring accident, he stood up from his wheelchair at the Autosprint Golden Helmets awards and said, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been this emotional. I’m so emotional my legs are shaking.”
There were tears, laughter, and applause. It was for a young man in a sober grey suit, whose eyes said everything words could not.