Aston Martin issue statement as Fernando Alonso absent at Japanese GP
Aston Martin have confirmed that Fernando Alonso will arrive late to the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, missing Thursday’s media commitments due to personal family reasons.
The announcement came via an official team statement on Wednesday morning, with the Silverstone-based outfit reassuring fans and media that the situation is under control and does not affect Alonso’s participation on track. The two-time world champion is expected to be present in time for Friday’s opening practice sessions at Suzuka.
“Fernando is arriving slightly later this weekend for personal family reasons and won’t be attending media day at the Japanese Grand Prix,” the statement read. “All is well and he will be at the track in time for Friday.”
In Alonso’s absence, team-mate Lance Stroll has taken on full media responsibilities, representing Aston Martin in the FIA press conferences. His appearance included sessions alongside key figures from Honda, notably Koji Watanabe, as the Japanese manufacturer continues to play a significant role during its home race weekend.
Speculation over personal milestone
Although the team did not disclose specific details, strong paddock speculation suggests Alonso’s delayed arrival is tied to the expected birth of his first child. The 44-year-old had previously confirmed that he and his partner, Melissa Jiménez, were preparing to welcome a baby, with the due date understood to align closely with the Japanese Grand Prix.
If confirmed, the occasion would mark a major personal milestone for Alonso, who has enjoyed one of the longest and most decorated careers in Formula 1 history. The Spaniard has often balanced intense on-track commitments with a highly private personal life, making this development particularly notable.
No impact expected on race weekend
From a sporting perspective, Aston Martin have made it clear that Alonso’s brief absence from media duties will not disrupt their race preparations. Missing Thursday media day is not uncommon in exceptional circumstances, and with Alonso expected back in the cockpit for FP1, the team’s competitive programme remains intact.
Aston Martin enter the Suzuka weekend looking to build on a promising start to the 2026 campaign, with both Alonso and Stroll contributing valuable points in the early rounds. The technical demands of Suzuka — a circuit renowned for its high-speed corners and driver precision — place added importance on experience, an area where Alonso remains one of the grid’s standout performers.
Focus shifts to Suzuka challenge
As attention turns to on-track action, Alonso’s return on Friday will be closely watched, particularly given his strong historical performances at technically challenging venues. His feedback is expected to be crucial in fine-tuning the AMR26 package as Aston Martin aim to close the gap to front-running teams.
For now, however, the focus remains on personal matters, with the team and wider F1 community offering quiet support as Alonso prepares for both a professional and potentially life-changing weekend.