Williams’ 2026 Formula 1 car missed the initial pre-season test in Barcelona and only made its first appearance during the shakedown at Silverstone. The Grove-based squad celebrated their best performance in ten years last season, finishing fifth in the constructors’ championship.
Late in the previous year, Williams secured two podium spots thanks to Carlos Sainz, marking their strongest championship finish since 2016. Entering the new regulations cycle, the team was optimistic about continuing their upward trajectory.
However, their 2026 car, the FW48, has faced challenges this winter, with Williams being the sole team absent from the Barcelona pre-season shakedown test held late last month. Although delays in car production were officially given as the cause, there was speculation the FW48 might have failed crash tests or been notably over the minimum weight limit set by the FIA.
Team principal James Vowles denied significant weight issues but acknowledged that the exact weight wouldn’t be confirmed until on-track testing was fully underway. Williams did successfully pass the crash test and is set to make their season debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix from February 11-13. Before that, the team completed the FW48’s shakedown test at Silverstone on Wednesday.
While specific details of the test program were not revealed, teams are limited to running only 200km during shakedowns. On the preceding Tuesday, Williams revealed their 2026 Challenger livery during an online event.
In a media briefing before unveiling the new livery, Vowles expressed confidence that simulator and virtual track testing would prevent them from being at a disadvantage in Bahrain. He explained that the week-long Virtual Track Test (VTT) was successful and that both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon contributed with simulator running while other teams were at Barcelona, aided by Mercedes’ testing data. This collective effort provided valuable information on gearbox and power unit performance, meaning Williams anticipates a strong start despite their lack of on-track mileage.
Vowles concluded, “I don’t think we’ll be at a disadvantage after six days of testing.”
Fan Take: Williams’ ability to overcome early hurdles and use advanced simulator work highlights the increasing role of technology in F1 preparation. Watching a historic team like Williams bounce back this way adds an extra layer of excitement for fans eager to see more competitive and unpredictable racing in the new season.
