Williams will not take part in the private pre-season tests scheduled for next week at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, after confirming that its 2026 Formula 1 car is not yet ready. The British team cited delays in the development of its new FW48 as the reason for its absence. The closed-door test sessions in Barcelona, set to run over five days, are intended to serve as an initial shakedown ahead of the official Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain in February.
Several teams plan to use the opportunity to gather early data and assess their new designs. Williams has chosen not to rush its preparations. Team officials explained that delays in the production and validation of key components have made participation impractical without risking setbacks later in the development program. The 2026 season represents a major turning point for Formula 1, with sweeping regulation changes affecting chassis design, power units, and aerodynamics. As a result, teams have been required to rethink large parts of their technical approach.
For Williams, one of the sport’s most historic teams, the new regulations offer a chance to reset and improve competitiveness. However, the team has prioritized long-term reliability and adherence to its internal timeline over an early appearance on track. Sources close to the team say work at the factory is continuing at full pace, with the aim of being fully prepared for the official pre-season tests in Bahrain. There, Williams expects to complete its planned testing program without disruption.
Missing the Barcelona sessions means fewer early laps, but it does not necessarily dictate long-term performance. In recent seasons, some teams have limited early testing without suffering significant consequences once the season began. With its focus now firmly on Bahrain, Williams is confident that the FW48 will be ready for its first major test under the new Formula 1 technical era, in what is expected to be one of the most challenging seasons in recent memory.
