Williams Kicks Off 2026 F1 Campaign with Silverstone Shakedown of FW48 After Initial Delays.

The Williams Formula 1 team initiated its highly anticipated 2026 season preparations by conducting the maiden shakedown of its new FW48 car at Silverstone Circuit. This crucial first run took place just a week after the British squad opted to skip the initial collective shakedown in Barcelona, marking a significant milestone in the team’s aggressive development timeline for the upcoming regulatory overhaul.

Formula 1’s governing bodies had facilitated an unprecedented early testing window for the 2026 season, offering five days of private running at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. This provision was specifically introduced to aid teams in adapting to the sweeping regulation changes impacting both chassis and power unit design. However, Williams, one of the sport’s most storied outfits, announced late its decision to forgo the Barcelona sessions, citing unforeseen program delays.

Team Principal James Vowles publicly addressed the absence from Barcelona, attributing it to "delays in the FW48 programme." He elaborated on the immense pressure within the factory, stating, "the amount of load going through our system is about three times what it used to be." This candid admission underscored the significant challenges inherent in developing a completely new generation of Formula 1 machinery under stringent timelines. The 2026 regulations represent one of the most comprehensive overhauls in the sport’s recent history, demanding a near "clean sheet" approach from engineering departments across the grid. Key changes include a revised aerodynamic philosophy designed to promote closer racing through active aero elements, lighter and smaller chassis, and a revolutionary power unit concept. The new power unit will feature a 50/50 split between internal combustion engine and electrical power, run on 100% sustainable fuels, and crucially, see the removal of the complex MGU-H component. These extensive modifications necessitate a rigorous and early development cycle, making every testing opportunity invaluable.

In lieu of the physical track time in Barcelona, Williams pivoted to an intensive Virtual Track Test (VTT). This advanced simulation technique involves placing a significant portion of the actual physical car through a highly sophisticated rig designed to replicate the dynamic forces and conditions of an on-track test. Vowles later confirmed the VTT’s success at the team’s 2026 livery launch event, noting, "we did the mileage that we wanted to do." This virtual validation provided essential data and confidence before the FW48’s physical debut, demonstrating the evolving reliance on advanced simulation tools in modern Formula 1 development.

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The shakedown at Silverstone, the spiritual home of British motorsport and geographically convenient for Williams’ Grove base, saw the FW48 complete its initial laps. Both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, confirmed to be driving for Williams in the 2026 season following Sainz’s strong 2025 campaign, were behind the wheel. Notably, the car ran in a special FW48 testing colour scheme rather than the official 2026 livery, which had been unveiled days prior. The official livery features a striking combination of dark blue and black, accentuated by shades of light blue and white on the sidepods, reflecting the team’s refreshed visual identity as it embarks on this new era.

Team Principal James Vowles expressed immense pride and satisfaction following the Silverstone run. "This was a milestone day for us and it is always a very proud moment to see a new car on track for the first time," Vowles stated. He lauded the collective effort of the team, emphasizing how they "absolutely pulled together under the pressure of the situation and delivered a car today for a planned promotional filming day here at Silverstone." He further added, "We were able to understand more about our package in preparation for Bahrain next week, and Carlos and Alex were able to provide some positive feedback to direct us, while also identifying some minor issues for us to clean up between now and then. The push isn’t over yet – this is just the beginning and there is more in front of us." Vowles’ comments underscore the dual purpose of a shakedown: confirming basic functionality and gathering preliminary data, while also serving as a morale booster for the dedicated team.

Alex Albon, a key figure in Williams’ recent resurgence, provided his initial assessment of the FW48. "That’s shakedown done," Albon commented. "Obviously a few bits of data to look at and areas to improve, but generally a fairly smooth day. We had decent weather for Silverstone at this time of year and glad to finally be in the car and driving the FW48. Our full focus is on Bahrain now, looking at the data and getting ready for the start of the season." His feedback, focusing on a "fairly smooth day" despite areas for improvement, is typical for an initial shakedown, where reliability and basic functionality are paramount over outright performance.

Carlos Sainz, whose move to Williams for 2026 was a significant headline in the driver market, also shared his impressions. "We just had our first laps in the FW48," Sainz remarked. "It’s always an exciting, special day for the drivers, the mechanics and the entire team and it’s been a great effort from everyone to get the car on track today. It was a typical winter day at Silverstone, so we focused on getting in our first few laps and completing our shakedown plan. We are ready to fly to Bahrain in a few days where we’ll dive into more complete run plans, so I’m looking forward to it!" Sainz’s presence in the Williams cockpit highlights the team’s elevated ambitions, attracting a driver of his calibre after a successful 2025 season.

Williams enters the 2026 season with considerable momentum, building on a stellar 2025 championship campaign where they finished fifth in the constructors’ standings. This marked their best result since 2017, a testament to the comprehensive rebuilding efforts under James Vowles’ leadership. The team’s 2025 performance was further bolstered by two podium finishes for Carlos Sainz in Baku and Qatar, indicating a strong competitive package and strategic gains. This upward trajectory provides a crucial backdrop to their 2026 preparations, positioning them not just as participants in the new era, but as potential contenders for further advancement.

The Silverstone shakedown is merely the first step in a busy pre-season schedule. The FW48 is slated for its next track appearance in Bahrain on February 10 for a second promotional filming day, which allows for additional limited mileage and data collection. Following this, the critical three-day official pre-season test will commence from February 11-13 at the same Bahrain International Circuit. A second, equally vital test session is scheduled from February 18-20, providing teams with their final opportunities to fine-tune their cars before the 2026 championship officially kicks off with the Melbourne opener in Australia from March 6-8. These intensive testing periods will be crucial for Williams to fully understand the FW48’s characteristics under the new regulations, optimize its setup, and address any further issues identified during these early runs. The technical challenge of the 2026 regulations, coupled with Williams’ recent resurgence, sets the stage for what promises to be a transformative season for the Grove-based squad.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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