The new Williams FW48 Formula 1 car has finally appeared on track after production delays forced the team to skip the opening week of preseason testing in Barcelona. Williams had been the only team absent from the shakedown test, as the car was not ready in time.

To minimise the impact of the delay, the team carried out an extensive virtual testing programme before Wednesday’s filming day at Silverstone. Both race drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, shared driving duties as the car completed its first kilometres in real conditions.

The outing also allowed Williams to showcase the fan-voted interim testing livery originally planned for Barcelona. On Wednesday, the team also presented its more restrained race livery for the 2026 season.

Williams has confirmed it will hold a second promotional filming day in Bahrain on February 10, just one day before the next official group test session begins at the same circuit. Under Formula 1 regulations, teams are limited to 200km during filming days and must run a special tyre compound different from standard race tyres.

"This was a milestone day for us and it is always a very proud moment to see a new car on track for the first time. The team has absolutely pulled together under the pressure of the situation and delivered a car today for a planned promotional filming day here at Silverstone," the team principal James Vowles said.

"We were able to understand more about our package in preparation for Bahrain next week, and Carlos and Alex were able to provide some positive feedback to direct us, while also identifying some minor issues for us to clean up between now and then. The push isn't over yet - this is just the beginning and there is more in front of us," Vowles added.