EF Education-EasyPost fights to regain control of the narrative by mimicking Hamilton and LeClerc viral online 'highjack' post.
(Photo: Getty Images + Instagram)
Published October 17, 2026 06:27AM
EF Education-EasyPost parodied the viral “unofficial statement” social media post made last week by Ferrari Scuderia Formula 1 team.
At face value, it’s a smart PR move by the cycling to build hype for the possible announcement of some new rider signings.
The skeptics might say it’s an even smarter move to take control of the narrative. On Friday, marquee rider Richard Carapaz stunned the cycling world when he broke contract with the team to sign with rival WorldTour team, NSN Cycling.
In the Instagram post on Saturday, EF Education-EasyPost team suggested Ben Healy and Sean Quinn “hacked” its social media channels and posted untimely information regarding the 2027 roster.
Slide one is an “unofficial statement.”
Slide two features Healy and Quinn looking “mischievous.”
The American team’s post is a carbon copy of one made by Scuderia Ferrari at the start of this month.
The Formula 1 powerhouse posted an online “Unofficial Statement” after Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc “hijacked” the team’s social media channels. The two superstar drivers had posted a series of bizarre selfies and prank reels to the team’s accounts in the preceding hours.
The Scuderia Ferrari “statement” soon racked up more than two million “likes” and 14,000 comments on Instagram.
EF Education-EasyPost and its perfectly timed Ferrari parody
Here’s the EF parody statement:
“EF Pro Cycling confirms that earlier this week, two individuals within the organization gained unauthorized access to our social media channels.
“During this period, a series of highly questionable editorial decisions were made, including the premature distribution of confidential information regarding our 2027 rider roster. We ask that anyone who received these communications disregard them immediately and refrain from sharing any information until the official announcements begin on October 19.
“We can now confirm that the two suspects have been identified and the situation is now under control.
“We thank our fans for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented incident.”
EF Education-EasyPost hints at new signings after being rocked by Carapaz exit
It’s not unusual for teams to build hype for new rider announcements and kit reveals. This prank is well in-line with EF Education-EasyPost’s forward-thinking, unconventional vibe.
We can now expect Jonathan Vaughers’ team to reveal some new signings this coming Monday, October 19.
And the post comes very well timed.
On Friday, Carapaz broke his ongoing contract for a landmark three-year deal with the budding NSN Cycling Team.
The news blows a huge hole in EF Education-EasyPost.
This year alone, the Ecuadorian finished top-10 at the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, and won two Tour stages. He was by far the squad’s highest-ranked, most recognizable rider.
Carapaz’s exit lit up social media Friday and ignited speculation about EF Education-EasyPost’s future.
The 33-year-old was the seventh rider to confirm they’re leaving the team this winter. Meanwhile, the squad has named only one signing for 2027 – Gavin Sherry, who is promoted from the EF Education-Aevolo devo team.
On Saturday, the squad attempted to shift the tone of the narrative. But sadly, Carapaz’s exit was no prank.