Williams, under the direction of James Vowles, missed Barcelona but successfully completed all crash tests and is prepared for the Bahrain pre-season testing before the 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off in Australia.
Is Williams Behind After Missing Barcelona? Team Says No Panic
Williams has overcome a significant obstacle before the 2026 Formula 1 season, as Team Principal James Vowles announced that the team’s new car has successfully passed all required crash tests and is prepared for pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The Grove-based team chose to forgo this week’s Barcelona shakedown, a choice Vowles acknowledged was “incredibly painful” yet ultimately essential as the squad tested the boundaries under the sport’s new rules.
“Obviously, it wasn’t our intention,” Vowles stated, “but we’re rapidly evolving at Williams.”
Instead, Williams will engage in a promotional filming day, covering up to 200km, before traveling to Bahrain for the initial of two three-day official tests. Vowles assured that the team has received full clearance to proceed.
“We’ve completed all the required tests, and we’re set to proceed in Bahrain,” he stated.
Although Williams might have participated in the Barcelona race, Vowles stressed that the trade-off wasn’t worth the long-term impact.
“I am sure it was the correct choice,” he stated. “What is important is arriving in Bahrain — and Melbourne — fully prepared.”
Comprehensive virtual track testing has enabled the team to assess crucial systems, such as brakes, cooling, and reliability, compensating for the lost track time in Spain.
“We will not fall behind,” Vowles stated. “We have six complete days left for testing in dry, typical conditions.”
Pre-season testing will commence in Bahrain on February 11 and last for three days, then a second three-day test will take place after a brief pause. The 2026 Formula 1 season begins in Australia from March 6 to March 8
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