Ocon drops 'surprise revelation' about 2026 cars after Barcelona testing

The Haas driver admitted he was stunned by how quickly the new-generation cars build speed on the straights, describing the acceleration as one of the biggest surprises of the test.

“The way the speed climbs on the straight line — I never thought I would get to 350 that fast,” Ocon explained to GPblog and other selected media.

Detailing one particular run, Ocon added: “We had an inconsistent deployment on one of the runs we did, and I had full deployment into the straight. I arrived at, I don’t know, 355 into Turn 1 in Barcelona.”

The former Alpine driver also highlighted how the acceleration feels far more immediate than anything he has previously driven.

“So the braking was very different to the laps before. But the way it climbs and the way you feel the speed building — it’s something insane, honestly. It’s something I’ve never felt in Formula One or in any car I’ve driven before,” he continued.

“That was definitely crazy, and the acceleration and the power on exit as well — it’s instant. It’s much more than I’ve ever felt. So I think those are the things that surprised me the most, for sure,” he concluded.

The words of Ocon further quell speculation that the 2026 cars will be significantly slower than their predecessors due to the revised engine deployment and harvesting systems.

Ocon’s words also subtly back those of Mercedes duo George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who expressed little concern about the engine deployment modes and top speeds of the new-generation cars.

Ocon also took time to clear up speculation about him needing the aid of crutches during the test in Barcelona.

The French driver was pictured in grainy social media images with the crutches at the Circuit de Catalunya. However, the 29-year-old explained the pair of crutches belonged to his father, who had only recently undergone knee surgery.