Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso says he is “super happy” after revealing that he has become a father for the first time.

Alonso skipped media day at the Japanese Grand Prix on Thursday following the birth of his first child, though Aston Martin declined to give any details other than saying the driver would be “arriving slightly later this weekend for personal family reasons”.

The 44-year-old Spaniard, who prefers to keep his personal life private, confirmed he has become a father after arriving at Suzuka on Friday.

“I’m a little jet-lagged because I landed this morning, but here we are,” Alonso told DAZN Spain. “We just finished FP2, and in a few hours it’s time to sleep – I skipped the European night session.”

Alonso added that both his partner Melissa Jimenez, a Spanish journalist, and baby were doing well.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“You never really imagine anything specific,” Alonso said. “Things just happen as they happen, and there’s a bit of stress and worry about everything going well.

“Fortunately, it went well, both for the mum and the baby. A super happy, very special moment.”

After sitting out of opening practice, Alonso returned to the cockpit of his Aston Martin in the second hour of running on Friday afternoon.

Alonso ended the day 19th-fastest, two places and 0.355 seconds ahead of team-mate Lance Stroll.

“Now, back to work, to see what we can do here,” Alonso said. “In FP2, we didn’t have great feelings about the car; I’d say it’s still pretty much the same as what we had before.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“We brought some upgraded parts, and in the tests and laps I’ve done so far, I haven’t noticed much of a difference. So we’re still a bit behind in terms of performance, and we need to work tonight to improve.

“It’s Honda’s home race too, and in a difficult time like the one we’re going through, we have to be here, we have to support them, and hopefully finish the race for the first time this year – completing all the laps is the goal.”

Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter