Sainz backs Williams as team skips Barcelona shakedown

Williams has confirmed it will not participate in next week's five-day shakedown test in Barcelona due to delays in its FW48 program. Carlos Sainz, entering his second season with the team, publicly backed the squad's decision to prioritize performance over early track time.

Why it matters:

While most competitors are preparing to shake down their 2026 challengers at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Williams is taking a calculated risk. By skipping the session to focus on virtual testing and finalizing the car, the team aims to ensure the FW48 is competitive immediately upon arrival in Bahrain rather than rushing an unready package.

The details:

• Program Delays: The team cited "delays in the FW48 programme" as the primary reason for the absence. Although the car has already been fired up, it is not yet ready for track running.
• Alternative Approach: Instead of physical running, Williams will conduct a Virtual Test Track (VTT) program next week to simulate data collection.
• Driver Support: Sainz took to Instagram to express his confidence, stating, "We are committed to keep pushing flat out! Can’t wait to hit the track soon."
• Competitor Context: Teams like McLaren and Ferrari are only skipping the first day of the test, making Williams the only team absent for the entire duration.

What's next:

The focus now shifts entirely to the first official pre-season test in Bahrain in February. Williams hopes this strategy will pay dividends with a reliable and fast car for the season opener in Melbourne.