Williams Skips 2026 F1 Shakedown Test in Barcelona

Williams Formula 1 team has confirmed it will skip the opening shakedown test of the 2026 season at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, opting instead for virtual simulations as it addresses delays in preparing its new FW48 car.

The five-day event, which begins on Monday, serves as an initial opportunity for teams to run their overhauled 2026 machinery under the sport's new regulations. Williams announced its decision in a statement on Friday, citing setbacks in the car's development program. The team explained that it is prioritizing maximum performance gains, which has pushed back the timeline for track running. Although the FW48 recently passed FIA crash tests and completed its first engine fire-up, the delays stem from chassis preparation challenges unrelated to the Mercedes power unit.

Rather than join the Barcelona session, where teams are limited to three days of running, Williams will conduct a virtual track testing program and other evaluations at its Grove factory. This approach aims to ready the car for the official preseason tests at Bahrain International Circuit in February and the season opener in Melbourne in March. The team had planned a special livery for...