With the 2026 Formula One campaign rapidly approaching, fans have been closely watching every detail surrounding the sport, including its presence on social media. One curious discovery has sparked conversation online: the official Formula One Instagram account follows nearly every driver preparing for the upcoming season—except one familiar name that has been on the grid for years.
The new season is set to begin in just a matter of days at Melbourne’s iconic Albert Park Circuit. After weeks of testing in Barcelona and Bahrain, early signs suggest that Mercedes and Ferrari could be leading the competitive order, with Red Bull and McLaren close behind. Teams and drivers have been increasingly active online, building anticipation for a year expected to look very different due to sweeping technical regulation changes.Amid this digital buildup, observant
Amid this digital buildup, observant fans noticed something unusual. While the official F1 Instagram account appears to follow almost the entire 2026 driver lineup, Canadian racer Lance Stroll is missing from the list. With the arrival of Cadillac as the sport’s 11th team and rookie Arvid Lindblad joining the grid, a total of 22 drivers will compete this season—yet Stroll remains the only one not followed.
Stroll’s presence in Formula One dates back to 2017 when he debuted with Williams alongside Felipe Massa. His career soon evolved when his father, businessman Lawrence Stroll, became heavily involved in the team before later leading the investment group that transformed Racing Point. That organization eventually rebranded as Aston Martin in 2021, where Stroll has continued to race ever since.
Interestingly, the situation may not be one-sided. Observers have also pointed out that Stroll himself does not follow the official Formula One account, suggesting he may have removed it or blocked it altogether. As Aston Martin prepares for the new season—initially surrounded by excitement following Adrian Newey’s arrival—the team now faces questions about performance after difficult pre-season testing, leaving both fans and analysts watching closely as Melbourne approaches.
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