P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 star Alex Albon has spoken out after his Williams team revealed they would not be taking part in the first round of the 2026 pre-season tests this week.
F1 driver Alex Albon commented on Williams’ decision to skip the first round of the 2026 pre-season tests in Barcelona this week. The rest of the grid is participating in closed-door tests at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya until January 30, gearing up for the new season opener. On March 8, fans will witness the competitiveness of the new cars, while teams are gaining insights during the extensive testing. Despite missing the shakedown, Williams will prepare for the official tests in Bahrain next month with their 2026 car. Albon expressed disappointment but remains positive, emphasizing the team’s focus for the upcoming challenges. Reports suggest Williams’ engine provider, Mercedes, is performing well in the early stages of testing, hinting at a promising start to the season ahead.
