Former Formula 1 driver Alessandro “Alex” Zanardi has died at the age of 59. At sport.de, RTL reporter Felix Görner remembers the Italian, whom he knew for more than 25 years.
“Someone has gone who always gave courage to millions of people, people who also suffered severe blows of fate and defeats in their lives, who were not doing well, who were desperate, who believed that it was no longer possible,” emphasized Görner Zanardi’s importance beyond motorsport.
According to the journalist, the ex-Formula 1 star was “the sun” for these people, “an inspiration, a source of strength, a role model.”
Zanardi lost both legs as a result of a racing accident at the Lausitzring 25 years ago. “It was a miracle that he even survived the accident. After that, everything changed in his life,” said Görner, looking back. “He saw this accident as a gift to completely rethink his life and start over.”
Zanardi began a second sports career with the handbike and won four gold medals at the Paralympic Games. He also returned to the racetrack in the WTTC touring car championship.
“What he has achieved is to show: Even if you think nothing is possible anymore, something will still work if you fight with everything you have. That was Zanardi’s life motto,” said Görner.
Formula 1 icon Niki Lauda pulled his cap in front of Zanardi
Görner said that he experienced Zanardi as someone “who was always with a mischievous smile.” “He showed that life doesn’t just consist of a healthy body. He achieved that like no other.”
Görner also reported on meetings with Zanardi and Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda, who died in 2019 and who also had to cope with many blows of fate in her life.
“Niki always took his cue from Zanardi because he was hit even harder by fate and never lost his fighting spirit, his optimism and his humor,” said Görner.
