Williams Racing Set to Miss First 2026 Pre-Season Test in Barcelona
In a significant development ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Williams Racing has announced that it will not participate in the first pre-season testing event — the Barcelona shakedown — scheduled for January 26–30, 2026. The team confirmed that its 2026 car, the FW48, has not been completed in time for the session, forcing drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon to sit out what was expected to be their first combined on-track running of the new season’s machinery.
This decision represents a major setback for Williams, which enjoyed a positive rise in performance during the 2025 season — ultimately finishing fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, its best result since 2017.
New 2026 Regulations Create Additional Challenges
The 2026 Formula 1 season marks one of the most transformative eras in the sport’s technical history, with teams adapting to sweeping regulation changes. The new rules introduce a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power, active aerodynamics, and redesigned chassis dimensions, among other elements.
While many teams have managed to prepare their new cars in time for the Barcelona shakedown, Williams has publicly stated that delays in the development program for the FW48 have forced the team’s hand. According to the official team communication, the focus remains on maximising performance rather than rushing an incomplete car onto the track.
Statement from Williams Racing
In an official release, Williams explained the decision:
“Atlassian Williams F1 Team has taken the decision not to participate in next week’s shakedown test in Barcelona following delays in the FW48 programme as we continue to push for maximum car performance.”
Williams also outlined plans to conduct a Virtual Test Track (VTT) programme with the new car during the week the Barcelona shakedown would have taken place. This internal simulation effort is intended to help the team understand the FW48’s behaviour and systems, with the aim of being better prepared for the first official pre-season tests in Bahrain, scheduled for February 11–13 and February 18–20.
Impact on Carlos Sainz and Team Preparation
For Carlos Sainz, the news is particularly disappointing. The Spaniard joined Williams ahead of the 2025 season and quickly became one of the team’s key performers, notably achieving two podium finishes and playing a central role in Williams’ resurgence last year.
Missing the Barcelona shakedown means that Sainz and his teammate Alex Albon — who continued with the team into 2026 — will have less combined on-track running time than many of their rivals before the first official test and the season opener in Melbourne in early March.
Typically, Barcelona serves as an opportunity for teams to iron out reliability issues and gather essential setup data under varied track conditions before the official tests begin. For a team like Williams — which is pushing to build on its upward momentum — the loss of this session is a significant reduction in practical running time.
Historical Context: Williams and Pre-Season Testing
This is not the first time Williams has faced testing challenges. The team also struggled with a delayed car in 2019, resulting in missed running during pre-season testing — a year in which Williams endured one of its most difficult campaigns, scoring only a single championship point.
However, the context in 2026 is different. The team’s performance trajectory in 2025, combined with an expanded pre-season programme featuring multiple official test sessions, means that Williams still has opportunities to catch up. The more extensive calendar of testing events is designed to support teams through the transitional year of technical overhaul.
Virtual Testing and Bahrain Plans
To mitigate the absence from Barcelona, Williams plans to focus on virtual simulation work next week, utilising advanced modelling tools and internal programmes that aim to approximate on-track behaviour. While simulator work cannot fully replace real laps on tarmac, it offers engineers a way to explore systems and configurations that might otherwise have been delayed further.
Following the VTT sessions, Williams expects to have its FW48 ready for the Bahrain tests — where all teams will get additional days of scheduled running — and more closely align themselves with competitors ahead of the first race weekend in Melbourne (March 8–10).
Reactions and Rumours Around Car Delays
Prior to the official confirmation of the missed test, rumours had circulated within the Formula 1 community regarding crash test issues and chassis challenges that may have contributed to the delays. Although Williams has not confirmed specifics, those discussions underscored the difficulty teams face in meeting stringent safety and performance benchmarks during a season of dramatic regulatory change.
Fans on social platforms expressed mixed feelings — some seeing the situation as a setback that could impact the team’s competitiveness early in the season, while others pointed out that Barcelona represents only part of the overall testing schedule and that Bahrain offers a larger window for learning and development.
Looking Ahead: Optimism and Strategy
Despite the setback, Williams remains outwardly optimistic. The team emphasised its focus on preparation and performance, while reiterating support from its fanbase and stakeholders. With a full programme of official tests in Bahrain, there is reason to believe that any lost time can be at least partially recovered before competitive action begins.
For Carlos Sainz — a driver with extensive Formula 1 experience and a reputation for extracting performance from his machinery — the challenge will be to use every available opportunity to push the team forward once on track. His role in the development of the FW48, both in simulation and at official tests, could prove to be a key factor in Williams’ 2026 campaign.
Summary of Key Points
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Williams will not attend the Barcelona shakedown pre-season test due to delays with the new FW48 car.
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Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon will miss valuable track time ahead of the first official testing sessions.
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The team will focus on virtual testing and simulations before heading to Bahrain.
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2026 regulatory changes have made car development more complex for all teams.
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Williams aims to recover through comprehensive testing prior to the season opener in Melbourne.