Williams Racing Pushes Limits Despite Testing Challenges

Williams to skip Barcelona testing as team pushes limits for 2026

Alex Albon admits the team’s not starting the year as planned, but remains optimistic despite Williams’ decision to miss crucial pre-season testing in Barcelona.

“It’s not how we wanted to start the year,” Albon shared on Instagram. “But these things can happen when you are pushing the limits! Full focus ahead!”

The British team announced they’ll skip the entire Barcelona test session due to development delays with their new FW48 car.

Williams explained their reasoning in a team statement: “Atlassian Williams F1 Team has taken the decision not to participate in next week’s shakedown test in Barcelona following delays in the FW48 programme as we continue to push for maximum car performance.”

Instead of hitting the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with other teams, Williams will take a different approach.

“The team will instead conduct a series of tests, including a VTT [Virtual Test Track] programme next week with the 2026 car, to prepare for the first official test in Bahrain and the first race of the season in Melbourne.”

This comes after an impressive 2025 season for Williams, who finished fifth overall with 137 points and two podiums.

The team clearly hopes their aggressive development strategy will pay off, even if it means missing valuable track time in Spain.

The Barcelona testing would have given Albon and Williams important miles in their new car before the season begins, but they’re betting their alternative preparation methods will keep them competitive.

F1 Paddock Updates

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? GPblog’s F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog’s YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.