Alonso Announces Birth of First Child at Japanese GP

Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 world champion, announced the birth of his first child on Friday, just hours after arriving at the Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix. The 44-year-old Aston Martin driver, who skipped media day on Thursday and the opening practice session earlier that morning, confirmed the news following the second free practice on March 28, 2026.

Alonso landed in Japan that morning, citing jet lag as he adjusted to the time difference. Speaking to DAZN Spain after FP2, he described the personal milestone with his partner, Spanish journalist Melissa Jimenez. "I'm a little jetlagged because I landed this morning, but here we are," Alonso said. "We just finished FP2, and in a few hours it's time to sleep. I skipped the European night session." Regarding the birth, which occurred on March 25 in Europe, he added, "You never really imagine anything specific. 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."

Aston Martin had earlier explained Alonso's absence as personal family reasons, with reserve driver...