Ocon clarifies crutch rumors, praises Haas 2026 car after Barcelona test

Esteban Ocon has clarified that crutches spotted during Haas's 2026 car test in Barcelona belonged to his father, not him, dismissing social media speculation about a secret injury. The French driver, who was observing the test, instead offered glowing first impressions of the new VF-26 and its surprising performance.

Why it matters:

The incident highlights the intense scrutiny drivers face and how quickly misinformation can spread in the F1 rumor mill. More importantly, Ocon's genuine enthusiasm for Haas's 2026 prototype provides an early, rare glimpse into a team's progress under the new regulations, suggesting potential for a competitive shake-up.

The details:

• Social media buzzed after grainy photos showed Ocon using crutches in the Barcelona grandstands during a private 2026 car test, leading fans to speculate about a hidden injury.
• Ocon clarified the crutches belonged to his father, Laurent, who was recovering from knee surgery and joined his son to analyze car behavior and braking points.
• The driver found the rampant rumors amusing but slightly insulting, joking, "How on Earth would I be able to drive an F1 car if I was in crutches!"
• On the track, Ocon was encouraged by Haas's test, noting significant progress, a clear car direction, and, crucially, strong reliability from the Ferrari power unit.
• He expressed shock at the new car's acceleration, stating, "I never thought I would get to 350 kph that fast. It's insane, honestly — something I've never felt in Formula One."

What's next:

With the rumor put to bed, focus shifts to Haas's development trajectory. Ocon's positive initial feedback, while cautious, hints that the team could be building a more formidable package for the 2026 regulations. The real test will be how this early promise translates into performance when the cars hit the track for official pre-season testing.