Fernando Alonso has long been a magnetic figure in Formula 1, not just for his skill behind the wheel but also for the intrigue that seems to follow him wherever he goes. In recent seasons, however, a new presence has captured the attention of fans and insiders alike: Spanish television presenter and sports journalist Melissa Jimenez. Their partnership, which has blossomed over the past couple of years, is now as much a part of the F1 paddock as the roar of engines and the flash of cameras.
Jimenez, who boasts a following of more than 600,000 on Instagram, has carved out her own space in the high-octane world of motorsport. Working with DAZN since 2022, she covers Formula 1 with a keen eye and a professional demeanor, all while balancing her role as Alonso’s partner. It’s a tricky dance—being both a journalist and the companion of a two-time world champion—but those who know her describe Jimenez as approachable, good-humored, and remarkably adept at handling the pressures of the spotlight.
Her journey into the paddock wasn’t entirely new territory. Before her work with DAZN, Jimenez was a commentator for MotoGP, a role she took on in 2015, replacing none other than Lara Alvarez—who, as it happens, was once engaged to Alonso himself. Born in Liege, Belgium, the 38-year-old Spaniard brings a cosmopolitan flair to the paddock. She was previously married to soccer player Marc Batra from 2017 to 2022, and together they share three children—two girls and a boy. Despite her personal life often being the subject of speculation, Jimenez has always maintained a professional front, particularly when interviewing Alonso for Spanish broadcasts.
The couple’s relationship, which began to draw public attention in 2024, has become a staple of the F1 scene. They are frequently spotted arriving at race weekends together, often stepping off Alonso’s private jet with the kind of understated confidence that only comes from years in the public eye. For many fans, Jimenez’s presence adds a touch of glamour to the already star-studded world of Formula 1. But insiders say there’s more to her than just style—she’s a hard-working journalist who’s managed to build her own identity while supporting one of the sport’s living legends.
“I think it is a lot better than at the start of the season. I think my first point in the championship came in race eight or race nine. So yeah, at the beginning, we didn’t have a car to be in the top 10 on Sundays. And now it seems that we are able to fight in the midfield and to score points regularly. In the last nine races, I think I’ve been seven times in Q3, in the top 10. So definitely there is a very different car now. It is better on the aero platform. We didn’t change much mechanically on the set-up. Yes, we are working a little bit weekend to weekend, but I think aerodynamically the car is a lot more stable, a lot easier to drive, and we can put the laps together,” Alonso stated in a pre-race press conference ahead of the 2025 Italian Grand Prix. His words reflect not only the progress of Aston Martin’s AMR25 but also the relentless drive that defines both his and Jimenez’s careers.
Alonso’s path in Formula 1 has been nothing short of remarkable. Debuting in 2001, the Spanish driver has spent over two decades at the pinnacle of motorsport. He’s a two-time world champion, celebrated for his tenacity and tactical brilliance. Yet despite the glare of the media, he’s managed to keep much of his personal life away from the limelight. His previous marriage to Raquel del Rosario, the lead singer of El Sueño de Morfeo, lasted from 2006 to 2011, and his engagement to Lara Alvarez in 2015 was also widely covered. But with Jimenez, there’s a sense of balance—two professionals navigating their respective careers while sharing the unique lifestyle that comes with Formula 1.
This season, Alonso has been the more consistent of the two Aston Martin drivers, even if he currently trails his teammate, Lance Stroll, by just two points in the driver standings after 15 races and three Sprint events. The numbers tell a story of resilience: Alonso scored his first championship point only in race eight or nine, a testament to the early struggles Aston Martin faced with their car. But as the season progressed, upgrades and relentless development paid off. In the last nine races before the Italian Grand Prix, Alonso qualified in Q3 seven times, regularly finishing in the points—a clear sign that the AMR25 has become a contender in the fiercely competitive midfield.
Meanwhile, Jimenez’s own journey in the paddock mirrors the evolution of F1 partners in recent years. No longer content to stand quietly in the background, she’s emerged as a figure in her own right. Whether she’s interviewing drivers, updating her followers on social media, or simply being spotted alongside Alonso on race weekends, Jimenez has struck a balance between personal ambition and unwavering support. Her ability to keep things professional—even when interviewing Alonso for DAZN—has not gone unnoticed. The duo’s dynamic is a testament to mutual respect and the blending of personal and professional worlds.
Jimenez’s adaptability and relaxed confidence have endeared her to both fans and colleagues. Those who have spoken with her in the paddock describe someone who’s approachable, easy to talk to, and always ready with a smile. She’s managed to handle the sometimes overwhelming scrutiny that comes with being linked to a superstar, all while continuing to pursue her media career.
Their story is one of partnership, resilience, and evolution—both on and off the track. As Alonso continues to chase results for Aston Martin, Jimenez remains a steady presence, offering support while forging her own path in sports journalism. Their frequent travels together, the shared moments in the paddock, and the mutual respect they display have made them one of F1’s most talked-about couples.
As the 2025 season rolls on, all eyes are on Alonso and Aston Martin to see if they can build on their recent momentum. With Jimenez by his side—both as a partner and a professional—there’s no doubt the journey will be one to watch. For now, the paddock buzzes with anticipation, and the spotlight shines just a little brighter on this dynamic duo as they navigate the fast-paced world of Formula 1 together.
