Born in Bologna, Zanardi's journey began with a homemade kart built from dustbin wheels. He rose through the Italian ranks to make his F1 debut with Jordan in 1991. Between 1991 and 1999, he made 44 starts for Jordan, Minardi, Lotus, and Williams, though the sport rarely provided him the machinery to match his immense raw talent.

Zanardi’s move to Chip Ganassi Racing was a franchise-defining moment. He secured Rookie of the Year in 1996, famously capped by "The Pass" at Laguna Seca's Corkscrew. He went on to rule the series in 1997 and 1998, becoming the centerpiece of four consecutive titles for the team.

On September 15, 2001, at the Lausitzring, Zanardi lost both legs in a catastrophic high-speed impact. Despite coming close to death, he survived 15 operations and returned home just weeks later, already using his trademark humor to address the world from his wheelchair.

What followed redefined the boundaries of sport. Zanardi won four Paralympic gold medals (London 2012, Rio 2016) and 12 UCI World Championships. He returned to racing able-bodied athletes at the 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona, solidifying his status as the most revered driver in the global paddock.

In June 2020, during a handbike relay in Tuscany, Zanardi suffered traumatic brain and cranial injuries after colliding with a truck. Following nearly six years of private treatment and specialized care at home, he passed away quietly on May 1, 2026.