Williams has opted out of the private 2026 Formula 1 shakedown test in Barcelona due to delays with its FW48 car, while Aston Martin plans to skip the first two days. The test, running from January 26 to 30, allows teams up to three days of running amid major regulation changes. Alex Albon acknowledged the setback but emphasized focus on upcoming official sessions.
The 2026 Formula 1 season introduces sweeping regulation changes, including a lighter chassis with a minimum weight of 768kg—down from 800kg—and power units featuring a near 50-50 split between electric energy and the internal combustion engine. These alterations have prompted varied approaches to the initial private shakedown at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, scheduled from January 26 to 30.
Williams confirmed it would not participate, citing delays in its FW48 program as the team pushes for maximum performance. "Atlassian Williams F1 Team has taken the decision not to participate in next week's shakedown test at Barcelona following delays in the FW48 programme," the team stated. Instead, Williams will conduct a series of tests, including a virtual testing program, to prepare for the official Bahrain sessions on February 11-13 and 18-20, ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8.
Alex Albon shared the announcement on Instagram, captioning it: "It's not how we wanted to start the year, but these things can happen when you are pushing the limits! Full focus ahead!" The team, which finished fifth in the 2025 constructors' championship with podiums alongside Carlos Sainz in Azerbaijan and Qatar, has long prioritized 2026 foundations. Team principal James Vowles noted after the Mexico Grand Prix: "For me, it's about setting the foundations right for 2026... We need to make sure that our communications, our operations, the way that we're really extracting performance from the car trackside – and points – is an improvement over where we are before."
Aston Martin faces similar challenges, planning to miss the opening two days (Monday and Tuesday) and possibly appear only on Wednesday or Thursday. Despite having hospitality setups at the track, development delays mirror Williams' issues. The team transitions to a Honda power unit partnership and welcomes Adrian Newey as its new principal, amid high expectations from owner Lawrence Stroll's investments.
Other teams, including Mercedes, Audi, Alpine, Haas, Cadillac, Racing Bulls, and Red Bull, began running on the first day, with McLaren and Ferrari joining Tuesday. The closed-door test underscores the intense preparation for the new era.
