Esteban Ocon dismisses injury rumors after crutches photo from Barcelona test

Haas driver Esteban Ocon has clarified that crutches he was seen with during the F1 2026 shakedown in Barcelona belonged to his father, not him, quashing online speculation about a potential injury. The French driver used the opportunity of watching from the grandstands to analyze car behavior and different team strategies at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Why it matters:

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, a driver's physical condition is paramount, and any sign of injury can spark immediate concern for a team's competitive prospects. For Haas, which is banking on Ocon's experience to help develop its 2026 car, false rumors could create unnecessary distraction. The incident also highlights how quickly isolated images from private tests can fuel speculation across the fan and media landscape.

The details:

• The rumor began when Ocon was photographed holding crutches while observing the behind-closed-doors test from a grandstand.
• Ocon explained his father had recently undergone knee surgery, and the crutches were his. He humorously questioned the logic of the rumor, stating, "How on earth would I be able to drive an F1 car if I was on crutches?"
• The driver called the claims he was injured "a little bit of an insult," emphasizing the immense physical demands of driving a modern F1 car.
• Observational Insights: Watching trackside provided Ocon a rare external perspective. He specifically noted how different teams were using engine power on the exit of Turn 10 and employing varied strategies through the Turn 10-12 complex, even in wet conditions.
• Team Context: Ocon is entering his second season with Haas after a 2025 campaign where he scored a best finish of fifth but was ultimately outscored by rookie teammate Oliver Bearman.

What's next:

With the injury rumor firmly put to bed, focus for Ocon and Haas returns fully to preparing for the 2026 season. The data and observations from Barcelona will feed into the ongoing development of the VF-26 chassis. Ocon's experience, combined with Bearman's rising pace, will be crucial for Haas as it aims to build on its 2025 points total—its highest since 2018—and move further up the competitive midfield order.