Fernando Alonso Mourns the Loss of Long-Time Ph… Read more
Fernando Alonso has announced the passing of his long-time physiotherapist and close friend, Fabrizio Borra. The veteran Italian physio, who was 64 years old, had been a key figure in Alonso’s career since his early days in Formula 1, working alongside the Spaniard from his debut season with Minardi in 2001.
Alonso shared the news through a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing deep sorrow and admiration for Borra, who was by his side throughout nearly every chapter of his F1 journey. “I’ll miss you, Fabri. Every single day,” Alonso wrote. “Thank you for teaching me so much and making me a better person and athlete. My whole career with you has been the biggest luck I could have. Rest in peace, brother.”
Borra played a vital support role across Alonso’s stints with multiple F1 teams, including Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, Alpine, and most recently, Aston Martin since 2023. His presence in the paddock and behind the scenes helped guide Alonso through some of the most intense periods of his career, including two world championships and numerous high-pressure seasons in the sport.
Beyond Alonso, Borra was a respected professional in the wider world of motorsport and athletics. He worked for the Physiology Centre and supported several high-profile athletes throughout his career. His clientele included Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher and MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso. Borra also worked with elite cyclists, notably three-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar, showcasing his expertise across different sports disciplines.
One of Borra’s most memorable appearances in Formula 1 lore came during the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session. He was seen on the McLaren pit wall during a highly publicized dispute between Alonso and then-teammate Lewis Hamilton, in an incident that later became symbolic of the internal tension within the team that year.
Throughout the years, Borra built a reputation not only for his professional excellence but also for his loyalty, calm demeanor, and the strong bonds he formed with the athletes he worked with. For Alonso, he was much more than a trainer — he was a confidant, mentor, and friend.
The motorsport community has expressed deep condolences following the news of Borra’s death. RacingNews365, among others, extended sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging the significant impact he made on many lives.
As Alonso continues his racing career, the absence of Fabrizio Borra will be deeply felt, both personally and professionally. His legacy will live on through the champions he helped shape and the countless lives he influenced in elite sport.