Williams F1's 2026 car makes its track debut at Silverstone, a week after the team skipped the Barcelona shakedown. This comes as Formula 1 hosts its first collective test of the 2026 season, with five days of private running at the Catalan circuit. The car's development has faced delays, with Williams opting for a Virtual Track Test instead. Despite this, the team's boss, James Vowles, expressed optimism, stating that the car is 'successful' and ready for the next step: the Silverstone shakedown. The car, named FW48, features a dark blue and black livery with light blue and white accents. Both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have been confirmed to have taken part in the test, providing valuable feedback. The team is now focused on Bahrain, where they will dive into more comprehensive run plans. With a strong finish in the 2025 championship, Williams is aiming to build on its success and avoid starting the 2026 season behind. But here's where it gets controversial... The team's decision to skip the Barcelona shakedown and opt for a Virtual Track Test has sparked debate. Some may argue that this approach could potentially delay the team's progress, while others might see it as a strategic move to ensure a more robust and reliable car. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
