P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Williams has confirmed it will miss the entire F1 pre-season test in Barcelona, raising questions over preparedness of the team from Grove for 2026.
The Williams F1 team will miss the entire pre-season test in Barcelona, raising concerns about their preparedness for the 2026 season.
Despite a recent upturn in performance, with two podiums for Carlos Sainz last season, the team’s absence from testing suggests potential setbacks in their progress.
The team’s decision to prioritize development over the Barcelona test implies a focus on improving the car’s performance for the upcoming season.
Reports suggest that Williams failed the mandatory FIA crash tests, further complicating their preparations for the 2026 season.
With limited time left before the season begins, missing the Barcelona test could leave Williams with minimal room for error in Bahrain.
Following McLaren’s decision to also limit their participation in the Barcelona test, concerns about the overall readiness of the midfield teams for the new season are growing.
Williams’s struggles with testing are not new, as they faced similar issues in 2019, leading to significant changes within the organization and later the sale of the team due to financial difficulties.
