Fernando Alonso, the Aston Martin driver, will arrive late for the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix. While the event officially begins with Free Practice 1 on Friday, the traditional media day takes place on Thursday, an engagement Alonso will be unable to attend.
Aston Martin confirmed on Wednesday that the two-time world champion would join the team “a little later this weekend for personal family reasons,” reassuring fans that “all is well, and he will be on track in time for Friday.” The reason for his delayed arrival is the recent birth of his first son with partner Melissa Jiménez. This marks Alonso’s first child, while Jiménez, a public figure, already has three children from a previous relationship.
In a separate announcement earlier this week, Aston Martin had already confirmed that reserve driver Jak Crawford would participate in Friday’s Free Practice 1 session. This is in accordance with the regulation that allows reserve drivers to take part in two Grand Prix practice sessions per year, and is not directly related to Alonso’s personal absence.