Formula One wishes happy birthday to Fernando Alonso

Alonso has had a tough time at McLaren-Honda along with his team-mate Jenson Button, with problems riddling the car and wrecking their chances of points on multiple occasions over the past 18 months.

The pair's dry and sarcastic digs at the car's quality have been a regular highlight of Formula One in recent months - as was Alonso taking the opportunity to catch some rays when he was forced once again to retire from a race. There was no point in him losing his temper, it seemed - he was just going to enjoy what he could.

It was a different story as everyone marked Alonso's birthday, though.

Button publicly wished his team-mate many happy returns on Twitter.

And then the team laid on cake for the birthday boy - and decorated his car with balloons.

Even the other teams were quick to spot the party - even if they hadn't been invited.

Alonso enjoyed the festivities before getting out on track for free practice - and then thanked everybody for their well wishes.

Happy birthday, Nando!