Williams Racing has officially become the last team to take its 2026 Formula 1 car, known as the FW48, for a spin on the track. The anticipation surrounding this moment has been significant, especially since Williams was the only team that did not participate in the behind-closed-doors shakedown test that took place at Barcelona at the end of January. This absence was due to delays in the car's construction, which certainly raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Interestingly, Williams opted not to reveal the FW48 during a launch event at their Grove factory on Tuesday. Instead, they showcased rendered images of the car's livery on a hybrid model that was more advanced than the basic showcar created for the 2026 season. However, this model did not reflect the final version of the FW48, notably lacking components such as a pushrod or pullrod in the front suspension system.
Now, however, Williams has successfully conducted a full shakedown of the FW48 at Silverstone, marking an important milestone in their preparation for the upcoming racing season. Both race drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, had the opportunity to drive the car, which sported a fan-selected livery that will be seen at the Bahrain pre-season tests.
This track run was made possible through a 'promotional filming day,' part of a regulatory allowance for teams, and Williams plans to conduct a second filming day in Bahrain on February 10, just one day before the first official pre-season test begins.
To put this into perspective, Williams' late entry into the track running comes nearly four weeks after Audi became the first team to test its 2026 car in Barcelona on January 9. The initial image released from Williams reveals that the FW48 features a pullrod front suspension system designed with a significant degree of anti-dive characteristics, which could be crucial for its performance on the track.
For those interested in diving deeper into Williams' pre-season journey thus far, here are some compelling reads:
* Analyzing the impact: What did Williams really lose by missing the first F1 test?
* A look into the peculiarities of Williams' 2026 showcar: Zero-rods?
* Exploring Williams' intricate new livery for its late 2026 car, said to be their 'most complex' yet.
* Insights into what makes Williams' front suspension different, though not as radical as designs by Adrian Newey.
* Understanding the challenges faced by Williams amidst their latest delays and what it exposes about team principal James Vowles’ strategies.
* A video breakdown discussing the revelations brought to light by the late 2026 F1 car.
Prior to their actual shakedown at Silverstone, Williams had engaged in a virtual track test program, compensating for their absence in Barcelona. According to team principal James Vowles, this virtual program incorporated "most of the physical car," including essential components like the chassis, engine, and gearbox, but notably lacked the wings, highlighting the complexities involved in preparing for a new racing season.
