Williams insists there is “a lot to look forward to” in 2026 despite skipping next week’s Barcelona test.
From Monday, Formula 1 teams will be permitted three days of running out of five scheduled for a private shakedown of the all-new cars for the upcoming season.
But while several teams, including Ferrari and McLaren, have confirmed they won’t be on track until day two or even three, Williams won’t be in Spain at all.
“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,” a statement read on Friday.
“The team will instead conduct a series of tests, including a VTT [Virtual Test Track] programme next week with the 2026 car to prepare for the first official test in Bahrain and the first race of the season in Melbourne.”
The situation is an eerie throwback to 2019, when Williams didn’t conduct a private shakedown and then missed the start of testing due to delays and financial restraints.
Today, the situation is much different, as the team continues its major overhaul under the leadership of James Vowles and has healthy financial backing from owners Dorilton Capital.
Therefore, the Williams statement made clear that fans should remain optimistic for the new season.
“We are looking forward to getting on track in the coming weeks and want to thank all our fans for your continued support – there is a lot to look forward to together in 2026,” it concluded.
Driver Carlos Sainz also gave his backing to the team on Instagram, posting: “We are committed to keep pushing flat out! Can’t wait to hit the track soon.”
Last year, the Spaniard also explained how important it would be for Williams to start strongly, given one anticipated advantage over many of their competitors.
“I have a lot of confidence in the Mercedes engine,” he told Spain’s El Partidazo de COPE, as quoted by PlanetF1.
“It’s actually one of the main reasons I chose Williams for this new regulation change.
“I knew we’d be running the Mercedes power unit. Everything I’ve heard about it has been positive and still is.
“But of course, we can’t forget that Mercedes will have the Mercedes engine, McLaren will have it, Alpine will have it and so will Williams.
“That’s already four teams, eight cars, with the same engine – and two of those teams, especially McLaren, are superior right now.
“So no matter how good the engine is, you still need to get everything right with the chassis.
“That means we have to get everything right with the chassis to stand out.”
