Alex Albon speaks out as Williams skips private F1 testing in Barcelona

Alex Albon has addressed the news that Williams decided to miss the private testing at Barcelona this week.

The Grove outfit confirmed last week that it would not be taking part in the private testing due to delays with its 2026 Formula 1 challenger, the FW48. The team stated: "Atlassian Williams F1 Team has taken the decision not to participate in next week's shakedown test at Barcelona following delays in the FW48 programme as we continue to push for maximum car performance.

"The team will instead conduct a series of tests including a VTT 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."

Albon shared the team's statement to his Instagram story with the caption: "It's not how we wanted to start the year, but these things can happen when you are pushing the limits! Full focus ahead!"

Williams finished fifth in the 2025 constructors' championship and celebrated on the podium with Carlos Sainz at the Azerbaijan and Qatar grands prix. But the focus has been on the 2026 regulation changes for a long time.

"For me, it's about setting the foundations right for 2026," team principal James Vowles said after the Mexico Grand Prix during The Vowles Verdict.

"We need to make sure that our communications, our operations, the way that we're really extracting performance from the car trackside – and points – is an improvement over where we are before, and it gives us an opportunity across these four races to do exactly that."

Bahrain testing runs from 11-13 February and 18-20 February before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 6-8 March.