Great news for Fernando Alonso! The Spanish F1 driver became a father for the first time this week, as he has now confirmed. Alonso traveled late to Suzuka for the upcoming Japanese GP and had to skip his media obligations on Thursday. Friday made it clear why: together with his partner and F1 reporter Melissa Jiménez, he welcomed his first child.
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After the second free practice session in Japan, Fernando Alonso confirmed to Spanish-language DAZN that he had become a father for the first time. When Aston Martin announced earlier this week that the two-time world champion would arrive at Suzuka later, it was already suggested that Jiménez had given birth to a son or daughter. “Fortunately, everything is going well, both with the mother and with the baby,” said a beaming Alonso. “I am very happy; it is a wonderful and special moment.”
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The baby’s gender is not yet known. After Max Verstappen, Nico Hülkenberg and Sergio Pérez, Alonso is now the fourth father on the current F1 grid. In that respect, his private life is going better than on the track. The Spanish veteran has not been able to finish any races in 2026 due to his underperforming Aston Martin car. His contract with the British team expires this year. It is possible that the lack of competitiveness – and his new fatherhood – are reasons to hang up his racing suit after this season. Alonso is currently still the driver with by far the most Grand Prix starts to his name.
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