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.
The Silverstone-based outfit confirmed 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."
Fernando Alonso will be absent from Thursday's media obligations at the Japanese Grand Prix
|REUTERS
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 fulfils 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.
Aston Martin's 2026 campaign has been plagued by significant reliability troubles stemming from their new Honda power unit partnership.
Aston Martin have suffered a nightmare start to the season
|REUTERS
Vibrations emanating 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 entered the season with considerable optimism but has found itself mired in technical difficulties across the opening rounds.
Team principal Adrian Newey recently stepped back from his broader role to concentrate exclusively on technical matters, whilst speculation has mounted regarding potential leadership changes involving former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.
Team principal Adrian Newey recently stepped back from his broader role to concentrate exclusively on technical matters
| GETTYAlonso's difficulties were starkly illustrated at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he was forced to retire early due to the intense vibrations plaguing his machinery.
"The vibration level was very high today," Alonso explained afterwards.
"At one point, from lap 20 to 33, I was struggling a little bit to feel my hands and my feet."
The Spaniard acknowledged 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.