JANUARY 29, 2026

Vowles hits back as rivals keep running in Barcelona

Williams boss James Vowles has moved to shut down growing speculation over the team's absence from Formula 1's Barcelona shakedown week, insisting the FW48 has passed all mandatory crash tests and rejecting claims it is massively overweight.

Williams has been at the centre of intense scrutiny after missing the entire closed-door test, with reports suggesting multiple failed FIA crash tests and a car as much as 30 kilograms over the new 2026 minimum weight.

Vowles said those claims were unfounded.

There is currently no information about the weight because the car has not yet been weighed in its final configuration, Vowles said. What you hear is just hearsay.

He confirmed the car has passed crash testing and is currently undergoing physical Virtual Track Testing (VTT), while admitting the decision to skip Barcelona was painful but deliberate.

We could have driven, Vowles said. But it made more strategic sense to minimise the risk rather than testing on a wet, cold track without scoring any points.

Vowles acknowledged delays in the FW48 program, describing the new car as about three times more complex than anything we've previously put through our operation.

We simply wanted more than our system could handle in that timeframe, he said, adding that the priority was preserving spare parts and ensuring readiness for Bahrain and Melbourne.

Williams has also cancelled plans for a physical unveiling of its 2026 car at the factory on February 3, with the launch now expected to take place virtually - further underlining the disruption to its winter plans.

We're confident in our decision to miss Barcelona, Vowles said. I'm pleased to say that we've passed all necessary tests and we're ready to run in Bahrain.

Elsewhere, improved weather on Wednesday allowed more teams to return to the track. McLaren ran with Lando Norris sporting his new number 1, which he described as really cool.

We are considerably slower than before due to less downforce in the corners, Norris explained. But in terms of acceleration and top speed up to 340, 350 on the straights, we are faster than in 2025.

Red Bull did not run on Wednesday following Isack Hadjar's crash the previous day, with the team opting to prioritise repairs and protect Max Verstappen's remaining mileage. Hadjar, however, said he was encouraged by the car.

Generally, these cars are more predictable than the previous ones - simpler, he said.

Experts continue to take note of the early strength of the new Red Bull-Ford power unit. Arvid Lindblad, running for Racing Bulls with the same engine, said: Of course, there's room for improvement, but the powertrain is much better than I expected.

There were further teething problems for Audi and Haas, while Aston Martin finally arrived at the circuit late on Wednesday, its car delivered overnight amid rumours of delays linked to its new Honda power unit. Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe has already warned the 2026 regulations are extremely challenging.

Most observers still believe Mercedes has set the early benchmark. George Russell said the new cars felt like a positive evolution, while teammate Kimi Antonelli predicted a close field.

I don't think the gaps on the grid will be as big as people think, the young Italian said. We will have some close fights.

(GMM)