P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Williams will not be present in the private opening test of the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season, which marks a significant early blow to its campaign
Williams will miss the first Formula 1 test at Barcelona due to delays with their 2026 car.
Teams have faced challenges meeting weight targets and stringent safety checks for 2026.
Williams boss James Vowles stressed the importance of avoiding a repeat of the 2024 problems.
The team confirmed delays in the FW48 program, opting for virtual testing instead of the real-world Barcelona test.
This setback puts Williams at a disadvantage in their preparations for the season.
The absence from Barcelona is a blow as Williams aimed to continue their recovery after a successful 2025 season.
Other teams like McLaren are strategizing their test plans differently, prioritizing development time.
