Williams Racing has described the decision to miss the first pre-season test of 2026 as “incredibly painful,” blaming the delay on a car build that is three times more complex than its predecessors.
Team Principal James Vowles admitted the factory was overwhelmed by the production demands of the new technical regulations.
Despite a failed crash test last week—which the team has since passed—Vowles opted to skip the Spanish test to protect their spare parts inventory for Bahrain and the season opener in Melbourne.
Defending champion Lando Norris debuted the number 1 on his McLaren, finishing third fastest. He noted that while cornering is slower, straight-line acceleration feels significantly faster.
The Silver Arrows displayed formidable reliability, completing over 300 laps across two days with drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell topping the unofficial timing sheets.
Alpine made its track debut with Mercedes power after Renault’s engine exit, while Audi and Haas both suffered early on-track breakdowns.
Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon remain in the simulator, with the team aiming to be fully operational for the second test in Bahrain on February 11.
