Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59.

The Italian had both his legs amputated after a motor racing accident in 2001 at the Lausitzring track in Germany.

He raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in F1 in the early 1990s before switching to the Cart championship in the United States, winning the series in 1997 and 1998.

Following his injury he took up para-cycling and won two golds in the Paralympics in London in 2012 before doing the same in Rio de Janeiro four years later.

“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, 1 May,” Zanardi’s family announced.

“Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

“The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this period of mourning.”