Williams bets on late-development push, skipping Barcelona test to chase 2026 gains

Williams chief James Vowles explained that the team delayed key design decisions to squeeze performance for 2026, which led to missing Barcelona’s private test. The gamble aims to keep upgrades current while avoiding an outdated car, but it means drivers lose some early-track feedback and correlation data. Williams is mitigating with Mercedes power-unit data, VVT mileage, and driver-in-the-loop simulators, and expects Bahrain testing to bridge the gap as they pursue the pecking order ahead of the season.