Williams will miss the primary pre-season testing occasion of the 2026 Formulation 1 season after failing to have their automotive prepared for the Barcelona shakedown.
Rumours emerged on Thursday that the automotive had not handed the required crash take a look at to take part on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26-30, on the behind closed doorways occasion the groups have organized themselves to run their all new automobiles collectively for the primary time.
On Friday, Williams launched an announcement confirming their absence from the primary occasion, however stated they count on to be able to run in Bahrain from February 11-13 within the first of two official assessments organize by F1.
The introduction of latest chassis and energy items for 2026 have mixed for what many are describing as the most important regulation change within the sport’s historical past, creating an enormous problem for groups to have the brand new automobiles prepared simply seven weeks on from the tip of the 2025 season.
The staff assertion stated: “Atlassian Williams F1 Staff has taken the choice to not take part in subsequent week’s shakedown take a look at in Barcelona following delays within the FW48 programme as we proceed to push for optimum automotive efficiency.
“The staff will as an alternative conduct a collection of assessments together with a VTT programme subsequent week with the 2026 automotive to arrange for the primary official take a look at in Bahrain and the primary race of the season in Melbourne.
“We are looking forward to getting on track in the coming weeks and want to thank all our fans for your continued support – there is a lot to look forward to together in 2026.”
Extra to comply with…
When is F1 pre-season testing?
The introduction of latest rules means there’s a sturdy schedule of three separate testing occasions earlier than the beginning of the 2026 season.
The primary is a behind-closed-doors occasion in Barcelona from January 26-30, earlier than two assessments comply with in Bahrain from February 11-13 and 18-20.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Tune into the highlights of F1 testing on the Barcelona Shakedown, each evening from Monday twenty sixth to Friday, thirtieth January, dwell on Sky Sports activities F1 YouTube at 7 pm and on the Sky Sports activities F1 channel from 9pm
When is the primary F1 race?
The groups then have two weeks to arrange for the opening spherical of the season, which is the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8.
The primary observe classes of the season will happen on Friday 6 March, with Qualifying on Saturday 7 March and the opening race on Sunday 8 March.
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2026 Formulation 1 season dwell on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
