Williams Skips Pre-Season Barcelona Shakedown for 2026 Car Focus

January 26 - 30, 2024

A Strategic Decision for 2026 Performance

The Williams F1 Team has announced it will skip the upcoming Barcelona Shakedown. This event, scheduled from January 26 to 30 at the Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya, serves as a crucial pre-season testing opportunity for teams to fine-tune their cars ahead of the official test in Bahrain (February 11-13).

Focus on Private Testing

Instead of participating in the shakedown, Williams will conduct private testing to prepare for Bahrain and the season-opening race in Melbourne. The team cited delays in their FW48 program as the reason behind this decision.

"We are pushing for the best car performance in 2026. Our private testing will help us achieve that."

Virtual Track Testing & Long-Term Strategy

Williams will also engage in virtual track testing to optimize their preparations. The team emphasized that this approach allows them to work on their car without public scrutiny, ensuring a more focused and flexible testing environment.

Why Skip Barcelona?

The Barcelona Shakedown is a key event for teams to adjust to new regulations and gain extra track time. However, Williams believes their private testing strategy will yield better results, allowing them to concentrate on specific areas without distractions.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The team expressed gratitude to their fans and highlighted exciting developments for the 2026 season. This decision underscores Williams' commitment to long-term performance and strategic innovation.