Williams to miss F1 preseason test with 2026 car not ready

Field Level Media|published: Fri 23rd January, 12:42 2026

Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Williams driver Carlos Sainz (55) during qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

British racing team Williams will not take part in the Formula 1 preseason test next week in Barcelona because of a delay in readying its new cars.

After skipping the event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the next opportunity to test the car will come Feb. 11-13 in Bahrain.

All 11 F1 teams have re-engineered their cars for the 2026 season to comply with new chassis and engine specifications.

The Spain event, known as a "shakedown," is unofficial and without media or spectators watching. In Bahrain, teams take part in two official F1 tests.

In a statement, Williams said that instead of the tests in Spain, it will take part in a virtual track-testing program as it continues to "push for maximum car performance."

"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."

Drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz will man the cars for Williams again this season. The team finished fifth in 2025 with 137 points, well behind top team McLaren and its 833 points.

The season begins March 7 with the Australian Grand Prix.

--Field Level Media

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