Williams to miss F1 preseason test with 2026 car not ready
- Last updated: January 24, 2026 | 10:03 ..
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.
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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.
Reuters