The Grove team will not take to the track in Barcelona for the first 2026 tests after announcing delays in the FW48 development program
Williams will not participate in the private Barcelona tests scheduled for next week, the first opportunity on track for cars built to the 2026 technical regulations. In a brief official statement, the team referred to “delays in the program while we continue to push for maximum performance from the car,” without providing details on the specific causes.
No homologation issues
According to information obtained by The Race, the FW48 is not being held back by regulatory issues. Despite rumors of a possible failed crash test, the chassis has successfully completed the FIA’s required homologation process. In addition, no problems have been reported with suppliers or the production chain.
The delays, however, are reportedly linked to modifications made to key elements of the project, which required additional development and validation work. The revision of the car’s core architecture has consequently extended the build timeline, forcing Williams to skip the first on-track test in Barcelona.
To compensate for the absence on track, the team has planned a dedicated program of advanced virtual testing at its Grove facility. According to The Race, the chassis, power unit, and gearbox will be connected on a test rig to simulate intensive and targeted usage cycles. However, these internal tests will not fully replace on-track work, which will be carried out during the next scheduled testing session in Bahrain.
Williams’ current goal is to complete all necessary checks and inspections ahead of the upcoming sessions, avoiding further delays during a phase considered crucial for the development of the 2026 cars.
Photos: Atlassian Williams F1 Team
