Motor racing and the wider world of sport is mourning Alex Zanardi after the former Formula One driver and CART champion, who became an inspirational Paralympic gold medallist after losing his legs in a racing crash, died at the age of 59.

Italian Zanardi, from Bologna, made his F1 debut in 1991 and won the US-based CART series in 1997 and 1998, returning to Formula One with Williams in 1999, but his life took a dramatic turn in September 2001 when he was involved in a high-speed crash during a CART race at Germany's Lausitzring while leading.

He had both legs amputated above the knee, with his heart stopping seven times as he lost all but a litre of the blood in his body, but when he left hospital it was with hope and a smile.

"I realised that other people had similar problems to mine which they had overcame with success and they went back to a happy life, a normal life and so there was no reason why I couldn't do the same," he said years later.

"It is just the way I am, a very optimistic guy, very positive. When you have a problem, you have to have the capability to look around. You should not shut all the doors and think only about your problem."

Zanardi returned to the cockpit, completing the missing 13 laps of the Lausitzring race in 2003 with hand controls installed, and also raced in the European Touring Car Championship.

He then turned to para-cycling, becoming one of Italy's most successful Paralympic athletes and winning four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games.

"Italy loses a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every trial of life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity," Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.

"Alex Zanardi knew how to get back in the game every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity, and a strength of spirit that was truly exceptional."

"Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends," his family said in a statement.

Zanardi claimed 12 World Championship gold medals in para-cycling and became a powerful advocate for athletes with disabilities and a source of inspiration for many.

His life suffered another blow in 2020 when he was seriously injured after being struck by a truck while competing in a charity para-cycling relay in Tuscany.

He sustained serious head injuries and spent years undergoing treatment.

The International Automobile Federation said Zanardi's journey had "made him one of sport's most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination."

F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali remembered Zanardi for his "extraordinary strength".

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said: "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."

"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."

The Italian Olympic Committee called for a minute's silence at all sports events in Italy over the weekend in his honour, while Formula One paid tribute to his memory at the Miami Grand Prix.