Page 1 of 1 Williams started focusing on the development of the new-for-2026 FW48 early in an attempt to get ahead of the rivals in a season dominated by the most comprehensive regulation changes in years. Abandoning the development of the 2025 car early at first glance did not really work out as the team had to skip the official 2026 shakedown test at Barcelona, officially due to production delays.
The FW48 was ready for the two official tests at Bahrain where it debuted in the hands of returning drivers Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz Jr. Designed under the technical leadership of Pat Fry, the FW48 was smaller and lighter than its predecessor and lacked the ground-effect aerodynamics used by the previous generation cars. It was fitted with pull-rod front suspension and pull-rods at the rear.
The FW48 power-unit was once again sourced from Mercedes-AMG F1. As per the new regulations, it featured a simplified design with just a single hybrid element. For 2026, an evenly split power delivery was envisioned with electric motor contribution 50% of the power. To ensure that a drained battery did not cause the cars to run out of steam on the longer straights, active aerodynamics were also added to the package. As was a new 'pass' button for a brief boost in power.
Playing catch up during the Bahrain tests, the Williams team will still start the season in Australia on the back-foot despite starting development of the FW48 early. Page 1 of 1
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Williams started focusing on the development of the new-for-2026 FW48 early in an attempt to get ahead of the rivals in a season dominated by the most comprehensive regulation changes in years. Abandoning the development of the 2025 car early at first glance did not really work out as the team had to skip the official 2026 shakedown test at Barcelona, officially due to production delays.