Fernando Alonso Absent from Japan GP Media Day 2026 Due to Impending Fatherhood
Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso will be notably absent from the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. The Aston Martin driver is set to hand over his cockpit to reserve driver Jak Crawford for Friday's first practice session and will also skip Thursday's media day.
However, his absence isn't merely to avoid the usual barrage of journalist questions. The Spanish driver is celebrating a significant personal milestone: Fernando Alonso is becoming a father! The 44-year-old had revealed last year that he and his partner, Melissa Jimenez, were expecting their first child.
Aston Martin confirmed his delayed arrival in a statement: "Fernando will arrive slightly later this weekend for family reasons and will therefore not participate in the Japanese Grand Prix media day. He is well and will be at the circuit in time for Friday."
Fernando Alonso to Become a Father for the First Time
Alonso and Melissa Jimenez have been a couple since 2023. The two-time world champion met the Spanish Formula 1 reporter, who covers the sport for DAZN, in the paddock. Jimenez already has three children from her previous relationship with footballer Marc Bartra.
This marks Alonso's first child. He follows in the footsteps of Max Verstappen, who became a father for the first time last year with partner Kelly Piquet. Alongside Sergio Perez and Nico Hülkenberg, these two world champions are among the few fathers on the current Formula 1 grid.
This joyous news provides the Aston Martin driver with a reason to celebrate, especially as the British team continues to face challenges on the sporting front. While engine partner Honda reportedly made progress with battery reliability after the China race, persistent vibrations remain an issue for the car.
Alonso is expected to experience these challenges again this weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix. The 44-year-old Spaniard is scheduled to be back in his Aston Martin AMR26 from the second free practice session onwards.
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