Alonso to join Japanese GP weekend late – for the best of reasons

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Fernando Alonso is set to arrive late to the Japanese Grand Prix weekend at Suzuka, choosing to remain at home a little longer as he awaits the birth of his first child with partner Melissa Jimenez.

In a sport defined by split-second decisions, Alonso has made a rare and deeply personal call: family first, even if only for a few extra hours.

The timing could hardly be tighter. The baby’s due date falls squarely across the race weekend, leaving the Aston Martin driver balancing one of life’s biggest milestones with the relentless demands of Formula 1.

The Silverstone-based outfit confirmed on Wednesday that Alonso would skip his usual media commitments on Thursday, delaying his arrival at the iconic Suzuka Circuit until Friday.

“Fernando is arriving slightly later this weekend for personal family reasons and won't be attending media day at the Japanese Grand Prix,” the team said in a brief statement.

“All is well and he will be at the track in time for Friday.”

Melissa Jimenez Dionisio - DAZN F1 TV Presenter

While Alonso won’t miss the race itself, the adjustment means a reshuffle behind the scenes. Reserve driver Jak Crawford is set to step into the car for first practice, fulfilling one of the mandatory rookie sessions while also giving Alonso precious extra time away from the paddock.

It’s a delicate compromise – one that underlines both Alonso’s enduring commitment to F1 and the significance of the moment unfolding off-track.

Racing pressures still loom

When Alonso does arrive in Japan, sentimentality will quickly give way to reality. Aston Martin heads into Suzuka under mounting pressure after a difficult start to the 2026 season.

Reliability issues have plagued the team, with persistent engine vibration problems triggering battery failures and even forcing Alonso to retire from the Chinese Grand Prix due to physical discomfort. Despite efforts from engine partner Honda, a complete fix remains elusive.

Suzuka – fast, technical, and unforgiving – offers little margin for error. It’s the kind of circuit that exposes every weakness, mechanical or otherwise.

For Alonso, the weekend will undeniably carry a different emotional weight. Between engineering briefings and setup tweaks, the 44-year-old’s thoughts may well drift back home – where a life-changing moment is imminent.

Whether the "new dad" energy provides the spark Aston Martin needs to turn their season around remains to be seen, but for now, the priority is firmly on the newest member of the Alonso clan.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.