For weeks the rumour had been circulating among Formula 1 fans, but now it finally appears to be official: Fernando Alonso will become a father in the early months of 2026.
What seemed like simple paddock speculation until a few weeks ago has now been confirmed in Spain: Fernando Alonso is preparing to become a father, a key milestone in his private life.
The news, anticipated for several weeks and fuelled by the recent absence of Melissa Jiménez from the paddock, has been confirmed by sources close to the couple through the weekly magazine Hola. The DAZN journalist is currently six months pregnant and has chosen to step away from work to protect her health and the baby’s wellbeing.
It is a natural decision, given the intense rhythm of the Formula 1 circuits and the fact that she is already in her third trimester. Fernando Alonso, now 44 years old, had openly expressed in recent months his desire to become a father, and he is set to experience his first parenthood while his sporting career enters a phase of deep reflection, with his contract set to expire in 2026.
A new chapter for Alonso
The couple, together since 2023, has decided to face this period away from the spotlight, spending the most delicate weeks in Monaco, where Melissa’s family has already settled along with her three children from her previous relationship with footballer Marc Bartra. Jiménez, who speaks five languages and has spent recent years juggling work in the paddock, press conferences and hosting major sporting events, has temporarily paused all professional commitments.
Sources close to the couple confirm that both are living this moment with great calm. “They are very happy and the baby will arrive in March,” is the statement coming from those closest to them. The discreet atmosphere does not change one clear reality: for Fernando Alonso, a completely new phase is beginning, unlike anything he has experienced so far in the paddock.
The Spanish driver, coming off a challenging season but still consistently strong on Sundays, now adds a major personal milestone to a career already full of defining moments. The arrival of his first child coincides with Aston Martin outlining the foundations of its 2026 project, while Fernando Alonso himself will soon need to decide what role he wants to build for the final stage of his Formula 1 journey.
For now, one certainty remains: the priority is family, with a new chapter set to begin definitively in March.
After a solid if sometimes frustrating 2025 season on track, Fernando Alonso’s biggest victory is now happening off it. Come March, the man who has won everything else in motorsport will finally lift the most important trophy of all – and the paddock will never quite see him the same way again.
Leave a Reply