Alex Zanardi’s family donates his wheelchair to theft victim. Alex Zanardi’s wheelchair donated after Jacopo Lolli theft.

Alex Zanardi’s family has donated the late Formula 1 and CART champion’s wheelchair to Jacopo Lolli, a young man from the Padua area whose own chair was stolen from the entrance hall of his home. The remarkable gesture brought an early and uplifting end to the fundraising campaign launched to replace it.

The theft took place on 26 July, when thieves entered the communal hallway of Jacopo Lolli’s building and stole his wheelchair. After losing an essential part of his independence, the young Italian began raising money for a replacement, but the campaign was soon brought to an end for the best possible reason.

Alex Zanardi’s family donates the champion’s wheelchair

Alex Zanardi’s family offered Jacopo Lolli the wheelchair that had belonged to the former Formula 1 driver and two-time CART champion. The late Bologna-born athlete also won four para-cycling medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The gesture continued the legacy of a universally admired sporting figure who became a powerful symbol of resilience, determination and courage. Alex Zanardi’s influence extended far beyond motor racing, with fellow Italian sporting figures continuing to share personal memories of his remarkable strength and character.

The family responded to Jacopo Lolli’s recent difficulty through the “Missione 3” project, an initiative intended to introduce more people with disabilities to sport while promoting inclusion, determination and equal opportunities.

Luca Zaia praises a powerful message of solidarity

Luca Zaia, the former President of the Veneto Region and current President of the Regional Council of Veneto, praised the Zanardi family’s intervention and the values embodied by the donation.

“A gesture that takes on an even deeper meaning because it recalls the mission of Obiettivo3, the project created by Alex Zanardi. A legacy of values that continues to live and inspire,” Luca Zaia said.

“I hope Jacopo can look ahead with the strength and smile that distinguish him. My sincerest thanks go to the Zanardi family for transforming a difficult moment into a message of hope, closeness and love.”

“These are the gestures that show how a community is truly strong when it chooses to act, turning solidarity into practical help.”