The Formula One Barcelona Shakedown started on January 26. It is an early F1 testing session for the teams, during which fans and the FIA can get a glimpse of how the cars are performing. But Williams announced they will not be participating in the Barcelona Shakedown because they are facing major setbacks, which you can read more about here.

After an incredible 2025 season, fans were excited to see what Williams had in store for the 2026 season. But now, as Williams fails to deliver precise results, fans seem to lose hope. As reports continue to circulate regarding alleged technical and structural issues, Williams themselves have yet to officially confirm the nature or severity of the problems. This lack of clarity has only added to fan anxiety, with many wondering whether the setbacks are more serious than initially suggested.

Though this is a stressful moment for William's and their fans, this might be the best possible option. William's need as much time as possible to improve their car before Bahrain testing which is scheduled to take place throughout mid-February. Bahrain testing carries far more importance, as it provides teams with extended track time and a clearer picture of race ready performance. Stepping back now may prevent costly mistakes later. Rushing into early testing with unresolved issues could result in damaged components, failed crash tests, or emergency redesigns that drain resources. Arriving there with a properly developed and FIA compliant car could prevent further delays and setbacks once the season begins.

Here is a list of possible things Williams will need to fix:

What can this mean for Williams? Williams are under extreme pressure as the first grand prix of the season is creeping up, and if they are not 100% complete by the first race in Melbourne, they might have to spend the first part of the season behind, and struggle to catch up towards the second half of the season. Falling behind early in the season can create long term pressure. Teams that start slowly often find themselves in a constant recovery mode throughout the whole season, forced to bring aggressive upgrades earlier than planned. This can strain resources, development schedules, and budgets, especially under the cost cap. Williams are at a disadvantage with money due to them being a midfield team. For Williams, a slow start could make it more difficult to maintain momentum from their strong 2025 campaign and remain competitive in the midfield battle.

The extra time allows the team to properly address foundational issues rather than masking them with short term fixes. By staying in the factory, engineers can focus on ensuring the car meets FIA safety standards and performance targets without the pressure of public scrutiny or rushed deadlines. By taking a controlled approach, Williams may protect both their budget and development timeline, giving them more flexibility later in the season when performance upgrades matter most.