Fernando Alonso shares update after birth of first child ahead of Japanese GP

Fernando Alonso has revealed that he became a father for the first time ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, calling it a “super happy” and “very special” moment

Two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso has shared an update after the birth of his first child.

The 44-year-old driver arrived late at the Suzuka Circuit for "personal family reasons", which have now been confirmed to be the arrival of his child with his partner, Melissa Jimenez.

"I’m a little jet-lagged because I landed this morning, but here we are," Alonso told DAZN Spain after the second practice session. "We just finished FP2, and in a few hours it’s time to sleep - I skipped the European night session."

When asked how his week had been and if it was as he had expected, the Spaniard added that both mother and baby were doing well.

"Well, you never really imagine anything specific," he continued. "Things just happen as they happen, and there’s a bit of stress and worry about everything going well.

"Fortunately, it went well, both for the mum and the baby. A super happy, very special moment."

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Photo by: Jayce Illman / Getty Images

Alonso quickly brought the conversation back to his on-track performance. The Aston Martin driver confirmed that the Silverstone outfit is continuing to battle against issues with the car.

"Now, back to work, to see what we can do here," Alonso added. "In FP2, we didn’t have great feelings about the car; I’d say it’s still pretty much the same as what we had before.

"We brought some upgraded parts, and in the tests and laps I’ve done so far, I haven’t noticed much of a difference. So we’re still a bit behind in terms of performance, and we need to work tonight to improve.

"It’s Honda’s home race too, and in a difficult time like the one we’re going through, we have to be here, we have to support them, and hopefully finish the race for the first time this year—completing all the laps is the goal."