Four-time Paralympic gold-medallist and former F1 driver Alex Zanardi dies

Alex Zanardi's death aged 59 was confirmed on Saturday

Alex Zanardi won golf medals in para-cycling at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games. Pic: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE

Four-time Paralympic gold-medallist and former Formula One driver Alex Zanardi has died aged 59.

Born in Bologna, Zanardi competed in Formula One for five seasons and achieved a best finish of sixth at the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix before a major crash in 2001 resulted in both of his legs being amputated.