Barcelona, January 23, 2026
Williams Skips Barcelona F1 Test, Focusing on Bahrain Prep
The team will prioritize dynamic rig testing as other constructors head to Spain.
- Williams will not participate in the pre-season Formula 1 test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
- The team will instead concentrate on running its car and engine on a dynamic rig.
- The decision is not related to a remaining mandatory impact test on the nose box.
- The second pre-season test is scheduled for Bahrain from February 11-13.
Williams has opted to bypass the upcoming Formula 1 pre-season test in Barcelona, choosing instead to focus on intensive dynamic rig testing as they gear up for the Bahrain test. This means they won’t be joining the other nine teams at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between January 26-30, where teams are permitted a maximum of three days of running. The team finished fifth in the constructors’ championship last year and will continue with drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz in 2026.
Other Teams Prepare for Barcelona Track Time
While Williams focuses on rig testing, the majority of the grid is preparing for the Spanish circuit. World champions McLaren have already announced they won’t be ready to run on the first day, and potentially not the second, prioritizing maximizing the design of their new car. Ferrari is scheduled to begin its on-track testing on Tuesday, and Aston Martin also doesn’t anticipate being prepared for the first day of the Barcelona test.
What impact will missing the Barcelona test have on Williams’ preparation? The team believes the dynamic rig testing will provide valuable data and allow them to arrive in Bahrain fully prepared, despite missing valuable track time.
Williams confirmed in a statement that the decision wasn’t prompted by a pending mandatory impact test on the nose box, but rather a strategic choice to optimize preparations for the Bahrain test, which runs from February 11-13. The Barcelona test allows teams to run a maximum of three out of the five available days.
