Carlos Sainz back on track as Williams runs private Silverstone test
Summary
Williams used a private test at Silverstone to get Carlos Sainz back in the FW47 ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, a rare wake‑up run amid a five‑week calendar pause and a difficult start to the 2026 season.
Williams took to Silverstone on Tuesday for a private TPC (Testing of Previous Car) session, putting Carlos Sainz behind the wheel of the 2025 FW47. The run follows a difficult start to the 2026 season – just two points from three races – and offers a chance to regain pace before the Miami Grand Prix.
Why it matters:
- Sainz’s ninth‑place finish in China is the team’s only points; extra seat time could restore driver confidence.
- A five‑week gap between Japan and Miami leaves teams scrambling for data, and a wake‑up test helps Williams catch up.
The details:
- Location: Silverstone Circuit, sunny conditions, using the British Grand Prix layout.
- Car: 2025 FW47 – the chassis that earned two podiums for Sainz in 2025, offering a familiar platform.
- Purpose: Give drivers seat time, collect baseline telemetry and assess tyre behaviour after the April break.
What’s next:
- Williams will head to Miami for the season‑opening race on May 3 with its 2026 car.
- If the test lifts driver confidence, the team could break out of the midfield dead‑lock in qualifying.
- Pre‑season testing at the end of May will further shape development, while rivals continue their tyre programmes.
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-williams-silverstone-f1-2026-test-tpc