Gary Anderson's technical verdict on the 2026 Williams F1 car

Williams has finally run its real 2026 Formula 1 car for the first time at Silverstone, following a delayed shakedown and an unrepresentative livery launch. Technical expert Gary Anderson's initial analysis of the car reveals a bold front suspension concept and some significant aerodynamic choices that raise questions about its development path and potential performance.

Why it matters:

After forgoing development on its 2025 car to focus on this year's model, Williams starts the season on the back foot, having missed valuable pre-season testing. The car's design choices, particularly its large cooling intakes and unique suspension geometry, will be critical in determining whether the team can recover from its delayed start and move up the competitive order.

The Details:

• Development Delay: The team missed its behind-closed-doors shakedown and the first three days of official running, which will have an ongoing negative effect on its in-season development pace.
• Front Wing Innovation: The front wing features a central horizontal fin on the endplates and a ramp at the end of the footplate tunnel, designed to increase airflow and improve wing performance.
• Suspension Geometry: The car employs a pullrod-operated front suspension with increased anti-dive characteristics. The top wishbone setup is noted as being "very similar" to the concept seen on the Aston Martin, with a high forward pick-up point and a low, rearward-mounted rear leg, creating a wide-based A-frame style.
• Cooling Capacity: The radiator inlet and airbox intake are both notably large, suggesting Williams has prioritized cooling capacity. While beneficial for hot races or running in traffic, such large openings can compromise the overall aerodynamic flow structure.

What's next:

A single picture only reveals so much. The true test and a more complete analysis will come during official pre-season testing in Bahrain next week.

• The similar suspension geometry to the Adrian Newey-influenced Aston Martin may give Williams confidence in its concept.
• The key question remains whether the team's aggressive cooling setup and novel suspension will deliver the performance needed to offset its compromised start to the season. Bahrain will reveal who truly has something special "up their sleeve."