The Mercedes-powered team is reportedly facing major chassis issues. Without homologation, the FW48 won’t be able to run during the five days at Montmelò

Just a few days before the start of the preseason tests in Barcelona, the first major surprise of 2026 has emerged: Williams has announced that it will skip its debut at Montmelò and will not take part in the five days of track time alongside its rivals. This absence represents a huge setback for the Grove-based team at the start of a revolutionary season like 2026. The Mercedes-powered team reportedly failed the FIA crash tests, which are required for drivers to take to the track in any official test organized by the Federation.

The team led by team principal James Vowles reportedly encountered significant chassis issues with 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 the tests in Barcelona,” the team stated in a press release, “we 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 season opener in Melbourne.” The team is trying to take this delay in stride, confident that it can catch up in time for the start of the championship: “We can’t wait to get on the track in the coming weeks, and we want to thank all our fans for your continued support—there’s a lot to look forward to together in 2026.”