Two months ago, former F1 driver Alex Zanardi had a gruesome handbike crash, sending the motorsport world into shock. He had to undergo multiple neurosurgeries and was in critical condition. However, the 53-year-old, now recuperating at San Raffaele hospital in Milan, is finally showing signs of improvement on his road to recovery.

A statement from the Milanese hospital read, “After a period during which he was subjected to intensive care following hospitalization on 24 July, the patient responded with significant clinical improvement. For this reason, he is currently assisted and treated with semi-intensive care at the Neuroreanimation unit, directed by Professor Luigi Beretta.”

Zanardi competed in 44 F1 races for the likes of Williams. But saw greater success during his CART career. The Italian is a two time champion in the CART series, having won successive titles with Chip Ganassi Racing in 1997 and 1998.

Alex Zanardi and his never say die attitude

His recovery from such a major accident is a testament to the Italian’s incredible fighting ability. Zanardi had a similar brutal accident in 2001. The accident was cause for the amputation of both his legs. However, Zanardi’s spark for competing and racing didn’t take a hit. Instead, now fitted with prosthetic limbs, he resolved to forge a new career path in Paralympics.

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The hunger for success led the former CART champion to participate in the 2012 Paralympics in London. Zanardi impressed one and all on the global stage, winning two gold medals and a silver in the Paralympics. His incredible achievements saw him named as one of “The Men of the Year” in 2012 by TopGear.

However, Zanardi’s time impressing at global events wasn’t over. He returned once more, this time for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Over there he added yet another two gold medals and a silver to his tally. Since then he has continued to participate in national events with a great deal of success. In fact, Zanardi’s accident took place while he was competing in an Italian road race.

Zanardi’s induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America came in the year 2013, as recognition for his motorsport achievements. As Zanardi continues on his road to recovery, we wish him the very best of luck!