The world of Formula 1 has lost a quiet but iconic figure with the passing of Fabrizio Borra, longtime physiotherapist to Fernando Alonso, at the age of 64. More than just a member of the support team, Borra was a constant presence in Alonso’s career for over two decades, a fixture through championship highs, comeback journeys, and everything in between.
Alonso paid tribute with an emotional post on Instagram, writing:
“I’ll miss you Fabri. Every day, every race, every training, every trip. Life will not be the same without you.”
That sentiment captures what many fans and observers have felt. While Borra was never one to seek the spotlight, his presence was unmistakable. Throughout the years, he was always just behind Alonso, on the grid, in the garage, or walking beside him to the car. Borra was as much a part of the Alonso brand as the helmet or the samurai tattoo, a figure whose loyalty became emblematic of Alonso’s entire racing ethos.
One key element of Borra’s legacy was his quiet consistency. In a sport defined by constant team changes and ever-shifting dynamics, Borra’s relationship with Alonso stood out. You’d see Alonso go from Renault to Ferrari to McLaren and now Aston Martin, but Fabri was always there. Unchanging. Dependable. That kind of enduring partnership is rare in modern motorsport, and it contributed significantly to Alonso’s ability to compete at the highest level into his 40s.
Borra’s role extended far beyond fitness training. He was a key piece in Alonso’s psychological and emotional support system. Several fans reflected on how Borra seemed to bring balance to Alonso’s famously intense personality, the calm to Fernando’s fire. His expertise in physiotherapy, combined with his holistic approach to mental and physical wellness, made him not just a trainer but a confidant and strategist behind the scenes.
The tributes pouring in across social media underscore how deeply respected Borra was, not just by Alonso but by fans who came to associate him with one of F1’s most enduring careers. His low-key demeanor and ever-present support gave him the aura of a silent guardian, a sentiment shared by many who described him as the last of a dying breed in F1 support roles: loyal, personal, and invisible until he was gone.
Even in recent seasons, as Alonso returned to F1 with renewed energy, Borra was still there, keeping pace with the younger generation, helping Fernando remain physically competitive in one of the most demanding sports in the world. As PlanetF1 and Motorsport Week noted, Borra’s contributions weren’t just emotional, they were strategic and performance-based, playing a major role in Alonso’s extended longevity.
Now, with his passing, the paddock feels a little less familiar. Borra may not have had a team radio or a signature quote, but for fans and followers of Alonso, he was a part of the story. A symbol of what it means to be in someone’s corner, through every win, loss, injury, and rebuild. When someone is there for every step of a 20-year journey, their absence feels like losing a piece of the history itself.
Fabrizio Borra may have stood just outside the spotlight, but his impact will be felt long after the final checkered flag.