Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has confirmed he became a father for the first time at age 44, describing the experience as a “super happy, very special moment” after arriving at the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday. The Aston Martin driver missed Thursday’s media day at Suzuka following the birth of his first child, with the team citing “personal family reasons” for his delayed arrival to the weekend.
Speaking to DAZN Spain after Friday practice, the normally private Spaniard revealed that both his partner Melissa Jimenez, a Spanish journalist, and their newborn baby were doing well. “You never really imagine anything specific,” Alonso explained. “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.”
The veteran driver acknowledged feeling jet-lagged after landing in Japan on Friday morning but was ready to focus on racing duties. After sitting out the opening practice session, Alonso returned to his Aston Martin cockpit for the second hour of Friday running, though he struggled for pace and finished the day in 19th position, just 0.355 seconds ahead of teammate Lance Stroll in 21st.
Despite the challenging on-track performance, Alonso remained determined to support Honda at their home race during what he described as a difficult period for the team. “We brought some upgraded parts, and in the tests and laps I’ve done so far, I haven’t noticed much of a difference,” he admitted. “We’re still a bit behind in terms of performance, and we need to work tonight to improve. Hopefully we can finish the race for the first time this year – completing all the laps is the goal.”