The Mercedes-powered team reportedly has significant chassis problems. Without homologation, the FW48 will not be able to run during the five days at Montmelò

A few days before the start of pre-season testing in Barcelona, the first sensational surprise of 2026 has arrived: Williams has announced that it will skip its debut at Montmelò and will not take part in the five days on track alongside its rivals. This absence represents a huge deficit for the Grove-based team at the start of a revolutionary championship such as 2026. The Mercedes-powered team has reportedly failed the FIA crash tests required to allow drivers to take to the track in any official test organized by the Federation.

The team led by team principal James Vowles has reportedly encountered significant problems with the chassis of this new car, the first of the upcoming regulatory cycle, and without homologation of the FW48, it will be impossible for Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz to make their debut in Barcelona: “Instead of testing in Barcelona,” the team said in a statement, “the team will conduct a series of tests, including a VTT program next week with the 2026 car, to prepare for the first official test in Bahrain and the first race of the season in Melbourne.” The team is trying to take this delay in stride, confident that it will be able to catch up in time for the start of the championship: “We look forward to getting on track in the coming weeks and want to thank all our fans for your continued support: there is much to look forward to together in 2026.”