It was a sad day in motorsports when the news broke of Alex Zanardi‘s death at the age of 59.
Racing in general is a tight-knit family, and drivers, media members and others in the motorsports community shared their reactions and thoughts on social media. The tributes poured out from drivers from several different series, including NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula 1.
Here are some of those that reflected on Zanardi’s life and career.
RIP. What a competitor. Special moment to talk and share the track with Alex back in 2019. pic.twitter.com/mHPh9dW9Ry
— Austin Cindric (@AustinCindric) May 2, 2026
The gentlest, kindest man. And my god, he was fast. He inspired millions and impacted the lives of everyone fortunate enough to meet him. He was universally adored. My thoughts are with Daniela and Niccolo on their unfathomable loss. Alex was the best. The absolute best. pic.twitter.com/vZSrDRutao
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) May 2, 2026
In the game of life, Alex Zanardi left nothing in the tank. I remember when he asked me to write the foreword for his book. I asked him anything you want me to say? He said: Well, I need to order new legs- how tall do you think I should be?
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) May 2, 2026
Tony Kanaan:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DX1YalhHJjK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Chip Ganassi Racing and the whole racing community has lost more than a legend — the world has lost one of its most extraordinary human beings.
— Chip Ganassi (@GanassiChip) May 2, 2026
Alex Zanardi was the definition of resilience, courage, and grace. He was integral in shaping Chip Ganassi Racing into what it has…
— Chip Ganassi (@GanassiChip) May 3, 2026
Champion. Fighter. Friend.
— Chip Ganassi Racing ⚡️ (@CGRTeams) May 2, 2026
Alex Zanardi was relentless in pursuit, fearless in spirit, and unmatched in heart. His legacy reached far beyond the track as an inspiration to many. To us, he was family.
Rest in peace, Alex. pic.twitter.com/gE2gKnpbte
The INDYCAR community mourns the passing of Alex Zanardi.
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 2, 2026
A two-time series champion, 15-time race winner and one of the sport’s most inspiring figures, his legacy on track was matched only by the strength of his character. pic.twitter.com/NtiTQwCXok
A small tribute to Alex Zanardi 🙏 pic.twitter.com/GqyWNLwxhX
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 2, 2026
Toto reflects on Alex Zanardi’s life. pic.twitter.com/prhMVBv44q
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 2, 2026
Stefano Domenicali – President and CEO of Formula 1:
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 2, 2026
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi.
He was truly an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete. I will always carry with me his extraordinary strength. He faced challenges that would… pic.twitter.com/damriNDNU5
Saddened to hear about the loss of Alex Zanardi. A great example to all of us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.🙏🏻
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) May 2, 2026
A tribute to Alex Zanardi. pic.twitter.com/qLxa3gaY3T
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 2, 2026
Saddened to hear the news of Alex Zanardi’s passing, a truly inspirational man and athlete to all. Alex’s resilience and determination is something we all admired, and his legacy in sport will remain strong.
— McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team (@McLarenF1) May 2, 2026
Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time 🧡… pic.twitter.com/WwBP7I5crg
Remembering Alex Zanardi and the extraordinary legacy he leaves that extends far beyond the track. A man of great resilience, passion and unbreakable spirit. Rest In Peace, Alex. pic.twitter.com/HLpHTc9qW9
— TGR Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) May 2, 2026
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Zanardi. Alex never stopped showing the world what was possible. A true legend, on and off the track. We are forever grateful to have been part of his story. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/jbH0qc2YmM
— Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (@RLLracing) May 2, 2026
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Zanardi, a true racer, a fighter, and an inspiration far beyond the track.
— Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team (@visacashapprb) May 2, 2026
Alex was part of our history during our days as Minardi, he had true determination, resilience and an unmistakable passion for racing. His achievements both… pic.twitter.com/3NpV19wivW
MY best friend since 12 y old my HERO God father of my Son has left us with tears in my eyes but smiles in my heart pic.twitter.com/gNKg871uHx
— Max Papis (@maxpapis) May 2, 2026
Today we mourn the loss of Alex Zanardi. A true racer, a fierce competitor, and an extraordinary human being.
— Honda Racing US (@HondaRacing_US) May 2, 2026
A two-time open wheel champion for Honda and a handcycling champion, Alex embodied the Challenging Spirit that pushes everyone at Honda and HRC. His impact on our sport,… pic.twitter.com/sj7ORIxMrR
Respect and love Alex. For millions you were an inspiration and a doer of the impossible. My last and best memory is of us at Daytona Rolex, I appreciate your kindness for Colton and everything you accomplished. Godspeed! pic.twitter.com/7FE4CRP8px
— Bryan Herta (@BryanHerta) May 2, 2026
The F1 and F2 drivers joined together to honor Alex Zanardi with a moment of silence. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/km1wgQ4kvB
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) May 2, 2026
We’re sad to hear news of the passing of Alex Zanardi.
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) May 2, 2026
He was a friend, racer and fierce competitor in everything he competed in. Whether it was racing cars, handcycling, or in life. He lived life to the full and will forever be a champion. Our thoughts go out to his family at… pic.twitter.com/Mlx1AtvdbD
Alex Zanardi was a force in motorsports not only because of his overwhelming talent but even more so for his remarkable spirit. His determination, passion for life and the inspiration he brought to us all will be his legacy. The sport and this world are better for the time he… pic.twitter.com/tGZ04LJxaX
— Ford Racing (@FordRacing) May 2, 2026
The racing community today mourns the loss of one of its greatest champions – Alex Zanardi. The 1998 #DetroitGP winner was always a fan favorite in the Motor City and one of the sport’s true legends.#RIP Alex. pic.twitter.com/9Pz48sWASt
— Detroit Grand Prix (@detroitgp) May 2, 2026
I remember waiting for an autograph from Alex and Jimmy at the Long Beach Grand Prix in ‘97 as a 12 year old go karter. Those interactions showed me how to be a professional as a pro athlete. And then seeing Alex trackside in Macau many years later was yet another reminder. #ciao https://t.co/Os41HjkEcA
— Charlie Kimball (@charliekimball) May 2, 2026
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Zanardi, a true champion whose impact on motorsports will never be forgotten.
— Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (@GPLongBeach) May 2, 2026
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach joins the global motorsports community in mourning his loss and celebrating an extraordinary life that inspired millions pic.twitter.com/NDcvT0Ebg7
In memory of a true racer, a friend and someone who meant so much to so many. His competitive spirit and resilience left a lasting mark on the sport, and he inspired everyone around him to keep pushing, no matter the challenge.
— Andretti INDYCAR & INDY NXT (@AndrettiIndy) May 2, 2026
We’re thinking of his family, friends and all who… pic.twitter.com/A3ei6tWBoU
Joy joined Frontstretch in 2019 as a NASCAR DraftKings writer, expanding to news and iRacing coverage in 2020. She's currently an assistant editor and involved with photos, social media and news editing. A California native, Joy was raised watching motorsports and started watching NASCAR extensively in 2001. She earned her B.A. degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Bakersfield in 2010.