F1 Today: Verstappen makes ‘switch to Mercedes’, Alonso set to become a dad

Max Verstappen stole the spotlight at the Estoril circuit in Portugal, where he took part in GT3 testing following the conclusion of the 2025 F1 season.

The Red Bull Racing driver, who was rumoured to be set for a holiday in the Iberian Peninsula, was spotted at the Autodromo Fernando Pires da Silva in Alcabideche, Estoril.

The four-time world champion drove a Mercedes-AMG GT3, a change from the Ferrari 296 GT3 he piloted with Emil Frey Racing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The switch aligns with his GT3 team’s move to a Mercedes-powered setup for next season. Verstappen shared the track with Mercedes-AMG factory driver Jules Gounon, with cars numbered 33 and 333 taking part in the testing session.

Fernando Alonso and long-time girlfriend Melissa Jimenez are reported to be set to welcome their first child in March 2026.

According to Spanish magazine Hola!, the two-time world champion and journalist girlfriend Jimenez, who covers F1 for broadcaster DAZN, are expecting their first child together, with the baby estimated to arrive around March, just before the commencement of the 2026 campaign.

Though the child will be the first for the Aston Martin driver, for Jimenez, it will be her fourth, having given birth to three children from her previous relationship with Spanish footballer Marc Bartra.

With the post-2025 season finale action and reaction continuing, our paddock update is the place to be.

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