Williams were the only team who failed to set a time during the first shakedown of 2026 in Barcelona. A combination of factors meant that the FW48 was not ready to make its debut.
For obvious reasons, this news did not generate particularly positive headlines. In the context of the team’s decision to prioritise 2026 earlier than anyone else, failing to get the FW48 ready for Barcelona was seen as worrying indications.
Despite this, team principal James Vowles remains upbeat about the team’s preparations.
Williams pushing the limits, says Vowles
This is not the first time Williams arrive to testing behind schedule. The British team missed the first few days of Barcelona testing in 2019 – foreshadowing what would become a painful year.
Since James Vowles has been in charge, 2024 is another notable example of pre-season complications.
At the time, this was justified by a proactive move to address some of the team’s fundamental weaknesses and problems in their organisation and structure. Because of this, the criticism for this delay was minimal.
Moreover, Vowles soon put some credit in the bank by leading Williams to their best season (5th in the constructors) last year.
Still, it is no secret that 2026 gives midfield teams like Williams the greatest chance of climbing the field. This is why, over the last eighteen months, James Vowles has spoken extensively about focusing on the new regulations.
Looking ahead to the Bahrain tests, there will be plenty of attention on the FW48 and its performance.
Meanwhile, Vowles insists the team is still in a good position despite missing the Barcelona shakedown:
“The front wishbone is quite an impressive design,” he told the media. “Where it is, and how it’s effectively constructed, is pushing the boundaries of what we’ve done before as a business.
“But we haven’t moved all parts of the business on at the same level, and fleshed it out to that level to understand where we’re going to break it. That’s what I’m seeing now at this stage.
“You only know your boundaries by absolutely pushing every boundary possible. I absolutely believe in what I would call intelligent failure.
“And you get there by effectively pushing the boundaries of what you’re doing – and what we did was this year exactly that.
“You forge there a heck of a lot quicker with the pain that’s surrounding us at the moment, than if you just skirt around the issue – and maybe made the last few days of Barcelona [Shakedown].”
No excuses in Bahrain
On paper, the 2026 regulations could prevent any and every team with surprises – both negative and positive.
Aerodynamics will take on a completely new complexion this season, whilst the engines are now a far more complex area than in previous campaigns.
These factors are why Williams were seen as a team capable of producing an upset at the beginning of the winter break. The team themselves were confident in meeting their deadlines in mid-December.
Therefore, despite their early troubles, Williams are still under pressure. The expectations surrounding the British outfit have grown in recent years, thanks to a stronger driver line-up, increased investment into development facilities and – in part – the ambitious declarations of James Vowles.
When next week’s running begins, there will be no excuses for any team – including Williams.
Having missed out on any significant running so far, the FW48 will need to compensate for lost mileage. This puts an added importance on the Grove-based squad avoiding any hiccups next week.
With reliability still a significant concern for the teams, Bahrain is set to host a crucial two weeks of testing.
Main photo: Peter Fox/Getty Images (Williams F1 Media)