Williams F1's 2026 car, the FW48, has finally hit the track for its shakedown at Silverstone, just a week after the team skipped the Barcelona shakedown due to production delays. The car, which is set to compete in the 2026 Formula 1 season, underwent a Virtual Track Test (VTT) instead, which is similar to a simulator but uses the actual physical car on a rig to replicate an on-track test. Despite the delay, Williams team boss James Vowles claimed the VTT was successful and that they were able to complete the mileage they wanted. Both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz took part in the shakedown, but not in the official 2026 livery. The car will next be seen in Bahrain on February 10 for a second promotional filming day. Williams is aiming to build on its strong finish in the 2025 championship, where it secured two podiums from Sainz in Baku and Qatar. The team is now focused on Bahrain, where they will dive into more complete run plans and identify minor issues to clean up before the start of the season. The shakedown at Silverstone was a milestone day for the team, and it's always a proud moment to see a new car on the track for the first time. But here's where it gets controversial... Some may argue that the team's delay in testing could impact their performance at the start of the season. And this is the part most people miss... The VTT, while successful, may not have provided the same level of track-based data and feedback as a traditional shakedown. It's important to note that the team has a lot of work ahead of them in Bahrain, and they will need to address any issues identified during the shakedown to be competitive in the 2026 season. So, what do you think? Do you think Williams' delay in testing will impact their performance? Or do you think they'll be able to overcome it and compete at the front of the grid? Let us know in the comments below!
