Williams clears final 2026 hurdle with belated FW48 shakedown

Williams has finally completed the first on-track running of its FW48, becoming the last of the 11 Formula 1 teams to shake down its 2026 car. The run at Silverstone comes after the team missed the collective Barcelona test last week due to delays and a failed FIA crash test, forcing its drivers to rely on simulator work while rivals gathered real-world data.

Why it matters:

Every lap of pre-season testing is invaluable for understanding the new generation of cars, and Williams starting its on-track program a week behind its rivals puts it at an immediate data deficit. Catching up will be crucial for a team looking to build on its recent progress and avoid being on the back foot when the competitive season begins in Melbourne.

The details:

• The team was notably absent from the five-day Barcelona shakedown, a key early opportunity for all teams to run their new cars.
• The delay was caused by a combination of build process delays and, critically, a failure to pass the mandatory FIA crash test—a significant setback that required a fix and re-test.
• During the Barcelona test, drivers Alex Albon and new signing Carlos Sainz were limited to simulator work at the team's Grove headquarters while other cars logged laps.
• The Mercedes-powered FW48 finally hit the track at Silverstone on Wednesday with Albon at the wheel, completing its initial shakedown run.
• The team also unveiled its 2026 livery earlier in the week, maintaining visual continuity despite the technical delays.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to making up for lost time. Williams will head directly to Bahrain for the second pre-season test, which begins on February 11.

• This three-day session in Bahrain will be the team's first proper opportunity to conduct performance runs and race simulations alongside its competitors.
• A third and final test follows a week later, providing a last chance to refine the car before the freight is shipped to Australia.
• The 2026 season is scheduled to commence with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, leaving Williams with a compressed timeline to validate its package and ensure reliability.