Alonso took two-month-old son Leonard for a kart lap as fatherhood reshapes his F1 life

Fernando Alonso took his son Leonard for a lap around a karting circuit when the boy was just two months old, the two-time Formula 1 world champion revealed in an interview with Spanish radio programme El Larguero.

“We already took a lap in a kart. When he was two months old, I took him for a lap in my arms. He already felt the wind on his face,” the 45-year-old said. Leonard, born in March 2026 with Alonso’s partner Melissa Jimenez, is now six months old.

Alonso, who is typically guarded about his private life, was candid about how fatherhood is changing his perspective on the relentless demands of a 24-race calendar. “Next year I want to share the circuits, the trips around the world, and take lots of photos with him,” he said. “When I leave Formula 1, it’s clear I’m not going to be travelling to 24 countries every year, am I? So, hopefully I can share a little more with him.”

The Spaniard also offered a warm portrait of his son’s early personality. “I think he’s delighted with everything. Right now, he’s a very smiley child, and it’s truly wonderful,” he said. “When I’m home, the few moments I have make up for all the difficulties we’re having professionally.”

Those professional difficulties have been considerable. Aston Martin entered 2026 with significant optimism, having secured a new power unit partnership with Honda and brought in Adrian Newey to lead the technical operation. However, problems with both the car and the power unit emerged quickly, forcing the team to introduce a revised B-spec chassis at the Hungarian Grand Prix, followed by power unit upgrades at the subsequent race. The team currently sits 10th in the constructors’ standings with just three points.

Alonso himself has committed to seeing the project through, having signed a contract extension that ties him to the Silverstone-based outfit until at least the end of 2027.