Carlos Sainz responds as Williams set to miss Barcelona shakedown test

Carlos Sainz has backed Williams after the team announced it would miss next week’s F1 2026 shakedown test in Barcelona.

Williams said in a statement that it will not be present at any of the five-day shakedown next week, with “delays in the FW48 programme” cited as the reason behind the move.

Carlos Sainz backs Williams after Barcelona absence confirmed

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Teams will be able to run one car for a maximum of three days in a five-day period next week, with behind-closed-doors testing taking place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

While the likes of McLaren and Ferrari will miss the first day, most teams are expected to appear on three of the five available test days.

Williams, meanwhile, has confirmed it will miss the shakedown entirely, though it did share on social media recently that the car has been fired up for the first time.

Sainz, whose move to Williams in 2025 was in part based on the potential performance the team looked to offer in the 2026 campaign, has thrown his support behind his team, though he will have to wait a bit longer to do so.

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Writing on his Instagram story, the Williams driver said: “We are committed to keep pushing flat out! Can’t wait to hit the track soon.”

Williams confirmed that decision came as a result of delays in the programme to prepare its new challenger, wanting to “push for maximum performance” in the build-up to the first of two pre-season tests in Bahrain in February.

Confirming its alternative plans in lieu of shakedown running in Barcelona, Williams said in a statement: “The team will instead conduct a series of tests including a VTT [Virtual Test Track] programme next week with the 2026 car to prepare for the first official test in Bahrain and the first race of the season in Melbourne.

“We are looking forward to getting on track in the coming weeks and want to thank all our fans for your continued support – there is a lot to look forward to together in 2026.”

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