Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon offer response to Williams F1 test withdrawal

Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have both taken to social media to respond to the announcement that Williams will not take part in next week’s behind-closed-doors test in Barcelona.

RacingNews365 discovered on Friday that the Grove-based outfit was set to miss the first pre-season test of Formula 1’s new regulations, before an official statement was released by the team.

Sources indicate that the British outfit has recently struggled to pass the FIA’s mandatory crash tests. As a result, a decision has been made not to test in Barcelona next week.

Next week’s private five-day test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will see each team allowed to run across three days, while Williams will continue to work on its car.

Williams' official statement on Friday read: "Atlassian Williams F1 Team has taken the decision not to participate in next week’s shakedown test in 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 [virtual test track] 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."

Following the news, both Sainz and Albon, who will now miss at least a third of the pre-season running before the first round in Melbourne, have posted stories on their Instagram accounts.

Both drivers shared Williams' statement, with Sainz writing: "We are committed to keep pushing flat out! Can't wait to hit the track soon!"

As for Albon, who is entering his fifth season with Williams, he wrote: "It's not how we wanted to start the year, but these things can happen when you are pushing the limits! Full focus ahead!"

Despite the optimism of both drivers, it does represent a significant setback and early disadvantage for Williams.

Check out both drivers Instagram posts below!