Formula 1 racing team Williams has had quite a false start to the new 2026 season. The traditional British racing team had to cancel the test drives in Barcelona at short notice due to “delays” with the new car. Now team boss James Vowles has given an update with a view to the official test drives in Bahrain.
Breathe a sigh of relief at Formula 1 Team Williams. As James Vowles announced on Wednesday afternoon, the testing in Bahrain is not in danger. “I am pleased to announce that we have passed all the necessary tests,” said the team boss.
He is also “convinced” that the decision to “leave out Barcelona” was the right one. “And I am convinced that it was right that we prepare for the tests in Bahrain and for the race in Melbourne.”
Before the Bahrain tests (February 11th to 13th and 18th to 20th), Williams is planning “a film day,” announced Vowles.
Last Friday, the racing team had to announce that there had been “delays in the FW48 program”. At the same time, the team from Grove had announced “a series of tests” that the car has now apparently passed, including a so-called VTT (Virtual Test Track) program, in which the car is checked on a test bench.
After Barcelona, Bahrain twice
This season, Formula 1 is experiencing the biggest change in regulations in its recent Grand Prix history with new engines and shorter and narrower cars. That’s why test times are so important.
At the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, tests privately organized by the teams and closed to the media have been taking place since Monday and up to and including Friday. Each team is allowed to enter their cars into the race on three of the five days.
After the tests in the desert of Bahrain, things are slowly but surely moving towards the start of the season: the first Grand Prix of the year will take place in Melbourne on March 8th.
