Fernando Alonso mourns death of close friend

Fernando Alonso’s Miami preparations were overshadowed by heartbreaking news from Italy. The two-time World Champion lost trusted physiotherapist Fabrizio Borra on Sunday morning after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 64.



A Partnership Spanning Five Teams



Borra first teamed up with Alonso in 2001 as the Spaniard debuted for Minardi. Their bond endured through stints at Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, Alpine and most recently Aston Martin.



Even in seasons when Alonso’s competitive fortunes fluctuated, Borra’s disciplined routines and motivational edge remained constant.







A Master of Multiple Disciplines



Although best known in the paddock, Borra’s influence reached far beyond Formula 1. He helped Michael Schumacher refine stamina during his title-winning peak, guided MotoGP star Andrea Dovizioso through injury rehab and famously restored cyclist Marco Pantani to form after a devastating crash.



His success sparked demand from elite athletes who valued his holistic approach marrying physiotherapy, nutrition and psychology.



The Final Season Apart



Declining health forced Borra to step back in 2024, ending a 23-year track-side presence. Nevertheless he remained a remote sounding board, analysing telemetry and advising Alonso’s new Aston Martin crew by video call. Friends say he clung to the hope of attending one more Grand Prix before illness made travel impossible.



Family and Legacy



Borra is survived by wife Enia and sons Luca and Daniele, both following their father into the world of sports science. Colleagues describe him as meticulous yet endlessly patient, able to coax world champions through gruelling recovery sessions with gentle humour rather than drill-sergeant barking.



Tributes Pour In



Alonso praised Borra as “the calm behind every storm,” recalling how pre-race stretches doubled as mentorship chats about focus and humility. Michael Schumacher’s family issued a statement crediting Borra with prolonging Michael’s dominance during the early 2000s. Dovizioso called him “my secret engine.” Social-media timelines filled with paddock personnel posting photos of Borra’s ever-present stopwatch and trademark green therapy bands.



A Reminder of F1’s Human Heart



The news resonated because Borra represented the unseen workforce that turns drivers into superheroes. While wind-tunnel updates grab headlines, it is dedicated professionals like Borra who keep athletes physically resilient and mentally refreshed through 24-race marathons. Teams have already discussed creating an annual award in his name for outstanding medical support staff.



Alonso’s Next Steps



Sources close to Aston Martin say Alonso will dedicate the upcoming Imola weekend to Borra’s memory, wearing a special helmet sticker.




Revealed: Lewis Hamilton called emergency #Ferrari meeting https://t.co/C1q1Qy2nEN — Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 11, 2025




Engineers expect an emotionally charged driver channelling grief into performance, a pattern previously seen when Alonso produced inspired drives after personal setbacks.



Sport’s Collective Farewell



A minute’s silence is being considered for the Italian Grand Prix, fittingly near Borra’s hometown of Forlì. Should it happen, rival squads are expected to line pit lane shoulder-to-shoulder—a visual affirmation that, beneath competitive rivalries, the paddock remains a family.



Lessons Beyond the Garage



Borra often said peak fitness began with “respecting tomorrow’s body today.” That mantra, simple yet profound, spoke to longevity in sport and in life. As teams scramble for marginal gains measured in thousandths, his passing reminds everyone that success ultimately rests on the human element.
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