Fernando Alonso absent from Japanese Grand Prix media obligations
Fernando Alonso will be absent from Thursday’s media obligations at the Japanese Grand Prix, with Aston Martin citing personal family matters for the Spaniard’s delayed arrival, reports BritPanorama.
The Silverstone-based team confirmed that the two-time world champion would reach Suzuka in time for Friday’s track activities.
“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 stated. “All is well and he will be at the track in time for Friday.”
According to reports, the 44-year-old’s absence coincides with the anticipated birth of his first child with partner Melissa Jimenez.
American reserve driver Jak Crawford will take the wheel of Alonso’s AMR26 during Friday’s opening practice session, marking his third FP1 appearance with the team following outings in Mexico and Abu Dhabi last season. The 2025 Formula 2 runner-up’s participation fulfills part of the mandatory rookie running allocation required of each team this campaign.
“I’m really excited to get behind the wheel and drive for the team at Suzuka,” Crawford remarked. “It’s such a historic yet demanding circuit, and I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned in the simulator to real track conditions.”
Chief trackside officer Mike Krack praised Crawford’s dedication, noting his extensive simulator work at Silverstone headquarters.
However, Aston Martin’s 2026 campaign has been mired in significant reliability troubles stemming from their new Honda power unit partnership. Vibrations from the engine have caused damage to batteries and raised genuine health concerns for drivers, with the team unable to complete full race distances.
The Silverstone squad began the season with high hopes but has encountered technical difficulties across the opening rounds. Team principal Adrian Newey has recently stepped back from his broader role to focus on technical matters, amidst speculation of possible leadership changes involving former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.
Alonso’s difficulties were starkly illustrated at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he was forced to retire early due to intense vibrations plaguing his machinery. “The vibration level was very high today,” Alonso explained afterward. “At one point, from lap 20 to 33, I was struggling a little bit to feel my hands and my feet.”
The Spaniard acknowledged that he likely could not have completed the race regardless, given the team was running a lap behind in last position. When asked about prospects for improvement, Alonso called for patience, urging Honda be given additional time on the dyno to diagnose the vibration source.
This weekend’s events serve as a reminder of how personal matters can intertwine with the demanding rhythm of motorsport, illustrating the human element behind the racing facade. With Alonso’s return anticipated, the dynamics at Aston Martin will come under scrutiny as they strive to regain their competitive edge.
