Lewis Hamilton Out of Barcelona F1 Test Due to Car Delays
- Williams Racing has announced it will not participate in the upcoming pre-season Formula 1 test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, scheduled for January 26-30, 2026.
- The decision is not related to a remaining mandatory impact test on the nose box, according to the team.
- The majority of the other ten Formula 1 teams are expected to be present at the Barcelona circuit, utilizing up to three of the five available test days.
Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing: williams Opts Out of Barcelona Session
Williams Racing has announced it will not participate in the upcoming pre-season Formula 1 test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, scheduled for January 26-30, 2026. Instead,the team will concentrate on running its new car and power unit on a dynamic rig to prepare for the subsequent test in bahrain from February 11-13.
The decision is not related to a remaining mandatory impact test on the nose box, according to the team. While Williams completed the 2025 season in fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship, the focus for 2026 is on maximizing preparation for the Bahrain test.
Other Teams’ Preparations
The majority of the other ten Formula 1 teams are expected to be present at the Barcelona circuit, utilizing up to three of the five available test days. McLaren has indicated it may not run on the first two days, prioritizing maximizing the design of their new car. Ferrari is scheduled to begin testing on tuesday, and Aston Martin also does not anticipate being ready for the first day of the Barcelona test.
Williams Driver Lineup
Williams has confirmed that Alex albon and Carlos Sainz Jr. will continue as the team’s drivers for the 2026 season.