The Williams F1 Team will not participate in the initial week of pre-season testing at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit next week. The team announced on Friday that they are skipping the shakedown test scheduled from January 26 to 30 due to setbacks in the development of their FW48 car.
The Grove-based team explained that while other teams focus on maximizing their car performance ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Williams is choosing to address delays in their program. They stated: “The Atlassian Williams F1 Team has decided not to attend next week’s shakedown test in Barcelona due to delays in the FW48 project, as the team continues to strive for peak vehicle performance.”
Instead of participating in the collective sessions, Williams will carry out various tests next week, including a Virtual Track Test (VTT) on the 2026 car, to prepare for the first official test in Bahrain and the season opener in Melbourne. The team expressed enthusiasm about returning to the track soon and thanked their supporters, highlighting the exciting prospects ahead in 2026.
Last year, Williams enjoyed their best Formula 1 result in ten years, finishing fifth in the constructors’ standings, bolstered by two remarkable podiums from drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.
All eleven F1 teams were invited to the closed-door shakedown test in Barcelona, with teams allowed to test for three out of five days. McLaren announced they would miss at least the first day to prioritize development.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for racing fans as it underscores the intense technical challenges teams face even before the season starts. Williams missing the first test could impact their development timeline but also highlights their commitment to rigorously refining their car, which could lead to a more competitive season and greater excitement for fans.
