Williams skips Barcelona shakedown to focus on FW48 factory testing

Williams has opted to skip the upcoming private shakedown test in Barcelona due to delays in the development of its new FW48 car. Instead of running at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the team will focus on an extensive off-track testing program at its Grove factory to ensure the car is ready for the official pre-season test in Bahrain.

Why it matters:

Missing valuable track time just weeks before the season starts is a significant risk, especially under the new 2026 regulations. However, the team believes that prioritizing factory validation over a rushed track debut is the most effective way to recover lost time and ensure reliability for the season opener in Melbourne.

The details:

• Strategic Decision: The Grove-based squad confirmed it will sit out the five-day Barcelona test scheduled for January 26–30 to prioritize performance gains in the FW48 under the sweeping new regulations.
• Alternative Approach: Instead of track time, Williams will execute a "VTT" program. This allows the team to run the full car, power unit, and gearbox on a dynamometer rig at the factory, putting the FW48 through intensive and controlled test cycles.
• Efficiency over Mileage: Although on-track running is more representative, the team views the rig testing as the most efficient way to catch up on delays and validate systems given the current timelines.
• Driver Status: The decision means Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz will not drive the car in Spain, delaying their track debut until the official sessions in Bahrain.

Looking ahead:

While the absence inevitably draws comparisons to the team's difficult 2019 pre-season, the context is markedly different this time around. Williams is now well-resourced under Dorilton Capital ownership and is building on a strong 2025 campaign that yielded fifth in the Constructors' Championship. With the first official pre-season test in Bahrain set for February 11–13, the team has a narrow but critical window to complete its validation work on track.