The Williams racing organization has confirmed its absence from the upcoming Formula 1 pre-season testing event scheduled for Barcelona.
Next week, Formula 1 teams will gather again at the circuit in Catalonia to kick off the championship’s new epoch, characterized by significant technical rule changes, including adaptive aerodynamics and an almost equal distribution of power between internal combustion engines and electric motors.
Formula 1 teams have been vocal about the considerable difficulties introduced by the updated regulations, and Williams’ vehicle progress has fallen behind schedule to such a degree that neither Alex Albon nor Carlos Sainz will participate in the Barcelona trials. This event is set to occur from January 26th to 30th, with each team permitted three track days within that five-day window.
A declaration from the team headquartered in Grove stated: “The Williams F1 Team has opted out of next week’s initial shakedown test in Barcelona due to setbacks within the FW48 project, as our efforts persist in striving for peak automotive performance.”
“Instead, the squad will carry out various examinations, including a Virtual Test Track (VTT) initiative next week utilizing the 2026 model, to get ready for the inaugural official test session in Bahrain and the season’s opening grand prix in Melbourne.”
Williams Barcelona livery
Photo by: Williams
“We anticipate hitting the circuit in the upcoming weeks and wish to express gratitude to all our supporters for their unwavering backing – much excitement awaits us collectively in 2026.”
This current difficulty brings to mind the 2019 pre-season, when Williams faced severe financial distress. During that period, the team failed to conduct its scheduled shakedown and also missed the initial two days of the joint Barcelona testing, managing only restricted track time over the subsequent two days.
The present circumstances vary, as the organization is now amply financed by its proprietor, Dorilton Capital; however, it’s also true that no major regulatory revisions occurred in 2019.
The subsequent pre-season trials are slated for Bahrain between February 11th and 13th, suggesting Williams possesses ample opportunity to be ready by that date.
