Williams started testing their 2026 Formula 1 car on Wednesday, having missed the planned shakedown in Barcelona at the end of last month due to production setbacks. The Grove-based team chose not to travel to Spain after delays, but they managed to conduct their own shakedown at Silverstone shortly after unveiling the car. Ahead of the official test, Williams completed a filming day in Bahrain on Tuesday, with Carlos Sainz driving in the morning and Alex Albon taking over in the afternoon.
Concerns Mount Over Williams’ 2026 Car Weight and Crash Test Compliance
Growing unease surrounds Williams after reports indicated the team struggled to pass mandatory crash tests, forcing them into a temporary fix. Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera reported that Williams is facing ‘serious trouble’ despite reaching Bahrain for testing. While team principal James Vowles dismissed media speculation about the FW48 being significantly overweight, sources suggest the car exceeds the weight limit by more than 10 kilograms.
Williams May Need New Chassis Due to Excess Weight
Following reinforcement of the car to clear crash standards, Williams’ 2026 model is described as ‘grossly overweight.’ To avoid losing crucial lap time, the team will likely require a brand-new chassis. Previous reports indicate that designing a new chassis can cost around £500,000, a substantial financial burden given Williams’ history with cost cap challenges after several crashes in past seasons. This unexpected expense risks putting further strain on their 2026 campaign.
Aston Martin Also Struggles with Weight and Development Delays
Williams is not the only team encountering difficulties; Aston Martin reportedly exceeds the weight restrictions as well. Corriere della Sera notes that like Williams, Aston Martin has fallen behind schedule this winter, only joining on-track testing near the end of Barcelona’s second-to-last day. The delay was partly due to Adrian Newey’s late return from his post-Red Bull gardening leave, which cost the team valuable development time. Fernando Alonso has admitted the team is at a disadvantage, and with Honda, their engine supplier, facing its own struggles, Aston Martin is prioritizing development for 2027 over immediate gains.
Potential Impact and Challenges Ahead for Williams
The unexpected weight issues and cost implications for Williams pose a significant challenge ahead of the 2026 season. Addressing the overweight chassis is critical to ensure competitiveness, but the substantial investment required could hinder the team’s budget and development pace. The situation also reflects broader difficulties faced by teams adapting to the new regulations, with Aston Martin similarly adjusting priorities amid technical and timeline setbacks. How Williams navigates these setbacks will be key to their prospects in the upcoming F1 season.
“We don’t engage with murmurings in the media.” ?James Vowles, Team Principal
