Why Fernando Alonso will miss part of Japanese Grand Prix weekend

• Fernando Alonso is to miss media day at the Japanese Grand Prix after his partner, Melissa Jimenez, gave birth to their first child.
• The 44-year-old Aston Martin driver will still be present at the Suzuka track for Friday's practice sessions, with reserve driver Jak Crawford deputising for FP1.
• Aston Martin has endured a difficult start to the 2026 season, plagued by issues with their Honda power unit and severe car vibrations.
• Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll have expressed concerns about potential “permanent nerve damage” from the car's oscillations, leading to Alonso's retirement from the recent China Grand Prix due to discomfort.
• The team currently sits at the bottom of the championship table with zero points, and Honda's trackside general manager has acknowledged ongoing reliability and performance struggles, particularly with energy management.

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Fernando Alonso to miss Japanese GP media day after birth of first child