Never mind new PUs one F1 team may not make Barcelona test with Chassis problems

[John S]

Rumour is Williams may be heading for repeat of 2014 and fail to get car on track for first test.   

Let's hope rumour is hot air & not true.

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/one-formula-1-team-might-not-make-it-to-barcelona-for-2026-testing-they-just-cant-get-it-right/

[Jericoke]

I wouldn't call the source reputable, no one else seems to have this story.

Assuming it's true, if Williams has come up with something better, i.e., the existing chassis design won't race at all, then it's a good idea to skip a test, and save the money for other spending under the cap.

[John S]

Rumour confirmed, Williams to miss Barcelona test. 

https://www.williamsf1.com/articles/6560b37e-5707-4239-a681-790e30167206/team-statement-230126

[Jericoke]

I wonder, are they allowed to reclaim their three testing days, and use them at another test?

If so, that might be an interesting strategy to evolve the car during the season.

I do assume that missing the shakedown test will be a problem though, so I doubt this is on purpose, but don't blame them for skipping  a test with a car that isn't ready.

[John S]

Seems part of Williams problems is a failure to pass nose cone crash testing. Let's hope they get it right before Bahrain.

[cosworth151]

I was wondering the same thing, Jeri. I was also wondering if there was a time limit on when they could use them.   

[Andy B]

All the potential reasons are just speculation and I doubt we'll ever know!