Williams F1 Team Prepares for Bahrain Testing After Barcelona Absence

Williams Racing has announced it is ready to participate in testing in Bahrain next month after opting to skip this week’s Formula One shakedown in Barcelona. Team principal James Vowles described the decision as “incredibly painful,” but emphasized the team’s focus on performance and readiness for the upcoming season.

The absence of Williams from the five days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, which commenced on January 28, has raised questions in the media regarding potential issues with the car’s compliance with FIA crash tests. However, Vowles confirmed that the team has successfully passed all necessary tests and is set to run in Bahrain. “I’m pleased to say that we’ve passed all necessary tests and we’re ready to run in Bahrain, and we’ll carry out a promotional filming day ahead of it,” he stated during a video call.

Strategic Decision for Performance Improvement

Vowles elaborated that the choice to miss out on the Barcelona shakedown stems from the team’s commitment to maximizing performance under the new regulations. He clarified that while the team could have participated, doing so would have required compromising on spare parts, updates, and overall preparations for the Bahrain tests and the season opener in Australia.

“The car this year that we’ve built is about three times more complicated than anything we have put through our business beforehand,” Vowles explained. This increased complexity has resulted in a significant escalation in the load on their systems, prompting delays in parts availability. He noted that certain unspecified technical challenges were “a blip in the grand scheme of things” that led to the team exceeding its limits regarding what could be achieved within the available timeframe.

Vowles also addressed speculation regarding the car’s weight, dismissing it as “murmurings in the media.” He expressed confidence in his drivers, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, stating they stand “shoulder to shoulder” with him as they prepare for the season.

Looking Ahead to the Australian Grand Prix

After finishing fifth in the team standings last season, their best result since 2017, Williams is aiming for further improvements in the upcoming campaign. The start of the 2026 Formula One season is set for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8, 2026, and the team is determined to make a strong impression as they enter this new phase of competition.

As preparations ramp up, the focus remains on ensuring that the car meets all performance expectations while overcoming the obstacles faced during development. Williams Racing looks to leverage its testing in Bahrain to fine-tune its vehicle ahead of the season, demonstrating resilience and ambition in the highly competitive world of Formula One.