Alonso pays tribute to physio Fabrizio Borra

Fabrizio Borra, the long-serving physiotherapist of Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso, has died aged 64 following a year-long battle with cancer.

The Italian physiotherapist passed away Sunday morning in the city of Forli, leaving behind a legacy of more than two decades in motorsport's elite circles.

"I'll miss you, Fabri. Every day,"

wrote a grief-stricken Alonso on social media.

"Thank you for teaching me so much and making me a better person and athlete. My whole career with you has been the greatest good fortune I could have. Rest in peace, brother."

A cornerstone of Alonso's career journey

Borra, born in Brescia, had been a constant presence at Alonso's side since the Spaniard's Formula 1 debut with Minardi in 2001.

Their professional partnership spanned the entirety of the two-time world champion's career through various teams and competitive chapters.

The trusted physio became a familiar face in the paddock, known not only for his therapeutic expertise but also for his unwavering support of Alonso.

Their relationship transcended typical professional boundaries, evolving into a brotherhood that sustained through the sport's highest peaks and challenging valleys.

Paddock veterans may recall Borra's involvement in one of F1's most heated moments when McLaren team principal Ron Dennis confronted him following the controversial 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session, where Alonso was accused of deliberately impeding teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Wide-reaching impact across motorsport

Borra's therapeutic influence extended well beyond his work with Alonso.

He played a crucial role in Michael Schumacher's recovery process following the seven-time world champion's leg-breaking accident at Silverstone during the 1999 British Grand Prix.

His expertise also benefited former MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso, highlighting Borra's versatility across different motorsport disciplines.

Outside racing circles, Borra worked with cycling legend Marco Pantani and various entertainment industry figures.

Italian singer-songwriter Jovanotti, who worked with Borra for 25 years, offered an emotional tribute:

"This morning at dawn the 'coach' left us. We had been friends and worked together since 1996, and until a few days ago, as long as he was able to stand he kept me and all his 'athletes' on their feet."

Legacy continues through his innovation

Borra established the Fisiology Center in Forli's Grigioni area, where his innovative methods will continue through his sons Luca and Daniele, who work at the facility. His wife Enia also survives him.

Jovanotti praised Borra as "an undisputed leader for physiotherapists and coaches, an innovator who was able to fuse different knowledge to create his own method."

Before his illness, Borra had been working on a book to share his experience working with champion athletes across various disciplines.

Reports indicate that Borra attended last year's Italian Grand Prix at Monza as a special treat following what was described as a difficult operation, demonstrating his passion for Formula 1 remained strong even as he battled illness.

For Fernando Alonso and countless others touched by his expertise and compassion, Borra's passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in motorsport's support structure—one built on trust, dedication, and a pursuit of athletic excellence.