Alex Zanardi: key obituary facts
Is Alex Zanardi dead? Yes. Alex Zanardi died on May 2, 2026, at age 59.
Cause of death: Alex Zanardi's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Alex Zanardi known for?
He was known as Italian racecar driver and handcyclist (1966–2026).
More about Alex Zanardi
Born: 23 October 1966.
Place of birth: Bologna.
Place of death: Padua.
Gender: male.
Occupation: racing automobile driver, television presenter, Paralympic athlete, handcyclist, Formula One driver, athlete.
Nationality: Italy.
Awards: gold medal for athletic prowess, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Gold Collar for Sports Merit, silver medal for athletic prowess, bronze medal for athletic prowess, Nettuno d'oro.
Years active: 1996–1998, 2001.
Alex Zanardi, the Italian racing driver and paracyclist, died on May 2, 2026, at the age of 59.
Born Alessandro Zanardi in Bologna on October 23, 1966, he won the CART championship in 1997 and 1998 and had 15 wins in the series. Zanardi also raced in Formula One from 1991 to 1994 and again in 1999, with a best finish of sixth in the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix.
He later competed in handcycling and won silver in the H4 time trial at the 2011 UCI World Road Para-Cycling Championships, followed by gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Alex Zanardi, 59, Italian racing driver and paracyclist.