Ex-F1 driver Zanardi undergoes third operation and facial reconstruction

Ex-Formula 1 grand prix driver Alex Zanardi has undergone a third operation for injuries sustained in a handbike accident last month.

Zanardi, who has been at the Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital since the incident, was operated on for five hours, with surgeons carrying out a cranio-facial reconstruction.

Professor Paolo Gennaro, director of the UOC Maxillofacial Surgery of the Aou Senese, stated: “The fractures were complex. This required careful programming that made use of computerized technologies, digital and three-dimensional, made to measure for the patient.

“The complexity of the case was rather singular, even if it is a type of fracture that we routinely face in our centre.”

A statement from the hospital explained that the latest operation that was performed was planned in advance by doctors to “allow any continuation of the therapeutic path”.

Following the surgery, Zanardi was brought back to an intensive care unit where he remains sedated and ventilated. The hospital confirmed that his condition from a cardio-respiratory and metabolic point of view were stable, but his neurological injuries remain severe.

As has been in practice for a last handful of weeks, no further updates will be released from the hospital unless there is a significant change to his condition.

Zanardi entered 44 F1 grands prix during his racing career, before winning the CART championship in the United States twice.

After a racing accident in 2001, both of Zanardi's legs were amputated, which saw him go on to be a successful Paralympian, winning gold medals in London and Rio De Janeiro.

At the F1 season-opening  Austrian Grand Prix last weekend, Ferrari carried a #ForzaAlex message on its car.

JuJuHound

Posts: 352

I just cannot get how much pain this man suffers to make what he loves, but still from unknown reason I believe he will be back on track on whatever wheels machine and he will make it great.

  • 1
  • Jul 7 2020 - 09:17

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • JuJuHound

    Posts: 352

    I just cannot get how much pain this man suffers to make what he loves, but still from unknown reason I believe he will be back on track on whatever wheels machine and he will make it great.

    • + 1
    • Jul 7 2020 - 09:17

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country IT
  • Date of b. Oct 23 1966 (59)
  • Place of b. Bologna, Italy, IT
  • Weight 0 kg
  • Length 0 m
Show full profile
show sidebar