Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso recently offered fans a rare and personal glimpse into his life away from the racetrack. The Aston Martin driver enjoyed a picturesque long drive, accompanied by two of his favourite things: his ultra-exclusive Aston Martin Valiant and his girlfriend, renowned F1 journalist Melissa Jimenez.
A Perfect Sunday and a Social Media Frenzy
The most experienced driver on the current F1 grid took to Instagram to share a series of stunning images from his scenic outing. He captioned the post, “Perfect Sunday ride. Valiant, you’ve got it all.” While most photos meticulously showcased the aggressive lines and gorgeous details of the custom-built hypercar, one image subtly captured a reflection in the car's bodywork. This reflection revealed Alonso alongside Melissa Jimenez, sparking immediate excitement among his millions of followers.
Fans were quick to flood the comments section with reactions. One enthusiast wrote, “You just pulled it off…,” while another celebrated, “Enjoy your eternal youth!” A dedicated supporter added, “The day you stop racing, I will stop watching.” Notably, several followers pointed out that this appeared to be the very first time Alonso has featured Jimenez in an Instagram post, making the moment even more special for his fanbase.
Who is Melissa Jimenez?
Melissa Jimenez is a well-known and respected figure within the Formula 1 paddock. As a professional F1 reporter, she has conducted interviews with numerous drivers across the grid. Her strong presence in the motorsport world is reflected on her own Instagram profile, which boasts an impressive 648,000 followers, including fellow drivers like Lando Norris and George Russell.
The Beast: Aston Martin Valiant
The star of the drive, the Aston Martin Valiant, is a machine as exceptional as its owner. Alonso personally unveiled this bespoke, rear-winged titan earlier this year in Monaco. Aston Martin produces only 38 units of this limited-edition hypercar, making it an incredibly rare sight.
Under its carbon-fibre body lies a monstrous 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine that generates a staggering 745 PS. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a purist's delight: a 6-speed manual gearbox. Despite its aggressive and muscular appearance, the Valiant is remarkably lightweight, a design philosophy inspired by the legendary Le Mans race cars of the 1970s.
Looking Ahead to 2026 with Hope
This personal joy comes after a professionally challenging season for the Spanish champion. The 2025 F1 campaign was frustrating for Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin, failing to yield a single podium finish and struggling for consistent points. Alonso concluded the championship in 10th place with 56 points.
However, the 44-year-old remains fiercely optimistic about the future. At the season's end, he shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, thanking his team and congratulating Lando Norris on his title win. He highlighted the challenges faced and signaled his intent to “come back at 100% next season.” A significant part of this optimism stems from the new leadership and technical direction at Aston Martin, with the legendary Adrian Newey already working on the 2026 car ahead of major regulation changes, fueling hope for a competitive resurgence.
