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
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Photo by: Kym Illman / Getty Images
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."
Photos from Japanese GP - Friday
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Japanese GP - Friday, in photos
Share Or Save This Story
Susie Wolff explains why F1 Academy cannot be a "charity project" as series grows
Red Bull's Austrian GP upgrade package compared to "B-spec" F1 car by former mechanic
Arvid Lindblad reveals emotional hand-drawn helmet for first F1 British GP
Fernando Alonso confident of progress despite Aston Martin's gap to Cadillac in Austria qualifying
Juan Pablo Montoya questions Fernando Alonso's next move amid Aston Martin woes
Aston Martin's plans for F1 2026 after upgrade-free Miami
Why Honda will just use one of its two upgrade opportunities in F1 2026
Fernando Alonso opens door to Le Mans return with Max Verstappen
How Aston Martin is navigating its issues, as Honda plots ADUO updates
Video: Noah Gragson retaliates against Cody Ware; Todd Gilliland vs. 23XI at Sonoma
Trackhouse crew chief says they were 'lucky' to have Van Gisbergen against faster JGR car
Susie Wolff explains why F1 Academy cannot be a "charity project" as series grows
Red Bull's Austrian GP upgrade package compared to "B-spec" F1 car by former mechanic
How Arvid Lindblad has shown that he's found his feet in F1
Why F1's engine-upgrade picture is becoming ever more ludicrous
George Russell claimed a much-needed win in Austria, but could Max Verstappen - or Kimi Antonelli - have won?
What were Antonelli’s chances of starting on the front row in Austria without his yellow-flag blunder?
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments