Verstappen Tests Mercedes GT3, Alonso Expecting First Child

Max Verstappen concluded the 2025 F1 season by testing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in Portugal, while Fernando Alonso is set to become a father for the first time in March 2026, just before the new season begins.

Why it matters:

These stories highlight the off-track lives and interests of F1's biggest stars during the winter break. Verstappen's continued GT3 involvement signals his passion for racing beyond F1 and his adaptability to different machinery, while Alonso's personal news adds a significant life chapter for one of the sport's most experienced drivers as he continues his career into his mid-40s.

The details:

• Verstappen's Mercedes Test: The four-time world champion participated in a GT3 test session at the Estoril circuit in Portugal, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3. This marks a switch from the Ferrari 296 GT3 he drove earlier in the year during his Nürburgring Nordschleife debut with Emil Frey Racing.
• Team Alignment: The car change aligns with his GT3 team's planned move to a Mercedes-powered setup for the upcoming season. He shared the track with Mercedes-AMG factory driver Jules Gounon.
• Alonso's Family News: Spanish media reports indicate Alonso and his long-time girlfriend, DAZN F1 journalist Melissa Jiménez, are expecting their first child together. The baby is due around March 2026.
• Family Background: While it will be Alonso's first child, it will be Jiménez's fourth; she has three children from a previous relationship.

What's next:

The off-season provides a window for drivers to pursue other interests and prepare for life changes before the intense 2026 campaign begins. Verstappen's GT3 activities may continue to be a feature of his winter schedule, while Alonso will balance preparations for a new F1 season with the imminent arrival of his first child.