P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Williams will skip next week’s F1 shakedown in Barcelona.
The Williams F1 team has decided to skip the first week of pre-season testing in Barcelona due to delays in the FW48 programme.
This decision was made as the team aims to achieve maximum car performance in preparation for the 2026 F1 season.
Instead of participating in the collective shakedown, Williams will conduct tests, including a VTT programme, with the 2026 car next week.
They plan to use this time to prepare for the first official test in Bahrain and the opening race in Melbourne.
Williams had a successful season last year, finishing in fifth place in the constructors’ championship, thanks to drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz’s impressive performances.
All 11 F1 teams have been invited to an initial shakedown test in Barcelona, where McLaren will also prioritize development time by skipping at least the first day.
