Alex Albon has fired a defiant message that Williams’ difficult start to the year does not "define our season", following a successful shakedown at Silverstone.
It marked Williams’ first running of its 2026 car — called the FW48 — after the Grove-based outfit missed the five-day test in Barcelona.
Williams was the only team to miss the first group running since the introduction of the new power unit regulations, putting it on the back foot when it comes to gathering initial data.
RacingNews365 discovered that the British squad faced difficulties passing the FIA’s mandatory crash tests, while team boss James Vowles put it down to production delays.
Nevertheless, Williams’ season is finally up and running, with Albon having driven the FW48 for the first time in an initial shakedown on Wednesday.
"First laps in the FW48 done," Albon wrote on X. "It wasn’t the start to the season we wanted but it feels amazing to be back driving.
"This doesn’t define our season. A big well done to everyone at Grove for the effort and determination to get us here today at Silverstone after a challenging few months.
"Next stop, Bahrain. Let’s make this year a great one!"
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Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding, as they look back on last week's five-day F1 test in Barcelona. McLaren's upgrade strategy is discussed, as is Aston Martin grabbing much attention with its striking AMR26.
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