The Williams team announced ahead of the private shakedown in Barcelona that it would not take part in these first tests for 2026. The British outfit has reportedly suffered delays in the development of the new FW48. There is heavy paddock speculation about what Williams is up against. Several sources reported that the team initially failed the mandatory FIA crash tests and will therefore have to start the season with a heavier chassis.
Williams appears to be the only team not putting miles on the circuit in this early test phase. While almost every team is already running three test days this week at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon are not yet in action. Reportedly this is the result of significant structural issues with the FW48. The car is said to have initially failed the mandatory FIA crash tests. Without final approval of the chassis a car cannot be completed and shipping to Barcelona is simply impossible.
Weight increase
In the meantime Williams has passed the FW48 crash tests successfully, several sources said. To meet the required safety standards the team reportedly reinforced the chassis. An inevitable side effect is a significant increase in weight; according to the latest rumours it’s more than ten kilos. A car that’s too heavy at the start of the season is, of course, a serious handicap.
“This is not how we wanted to start the year, but these things can happen when you push to the limit,” Albon wrote on social media. “Full throttle!” Alongside Williams, Aston Martin is also facing issues. The Silverstone team announced on Monday that it will only use the final two test days in Barcelona.
View the F1 calendar for 2026
