The last 2026 Formula 1 car, the FW48, which has yet to be seen, has finally been revealed… but without appearing in the flesh and carbon fiber. Behind schedule in its preparations, Williams Racing had to urgently revise the format of its launch, opting for a digital presentation before its first track outing was postponed until mid-February.
Williams, 2026 Livery: ua more complex development than expected
The final phase of the FW48 project proved challenging. Difficulties encountered during crash tests, combined with late structural modifications, delayed the final assembly of the car. A direct consequence of this was: Williams was unable to field its single-seater at the Barcelona shakedown, nor to physically present it at its launch event.
The British team Williams However, chose to maintain the date of Tuesday, February 3rd at 15:00 PMby adapting the device. The FW48 will be revealed through digital images (renders)without a live broadcast of a traditional show. Only short video content could accompany this virtual presentation.
This version will not necessarily reflect the final configuration of the single-seater, but it will allow us to identify the main lines of the design as well as the new liverymarked by a deliberate visual continuity: blue remains predominant and Atlassian retains its status as main sponsor. The livery initially planned for the Barcelona tests will, however, never be used.
The day will nevertheless be punctuated by exchanges with the international press. The team director, James Vowlesis expected to detail the reasons for this atypical launch and clarify the sporting objectives of
Williams in this new regulatory cycle.
The pilots Carlos Sainz et Alex Albon will also participate in interviews.
The FW48's true baptism of fire will come during the official pre-season tests in Bahrain, starting on February 11th. A shakedown at Silverstone is expected in the preceding days, however, to validate the systems before the equipment is shipped to the Middle East.
Powered by Mercedes Benz, Williams There are real expectations in the context of a regulatory overhaul that could be a game-changer. While FW48 is currently presented in virtual form, the expected answers will come very quickly… time is of the essence.
Ready to step out of the shadows.
The countdown is on 🔜 pic.twitter.com/2dyORclJdM
— Atlassian Williams F1 Team (@WilliamsF1) February 2, 2026