F1 fans fear Williams are ‘cooked’ after what Carlos Sainz has just done at their factory

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F1 fans are not impressed by Williams after seeing what Carlos Sainz has done at their factory while their rival teams are on the fourth day of the Barcelona shakedown test.

Williams were meant to join their rivals for the first time in 2026 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this week for the first pre-season test. But Williams had to miss the shakedown in Barcelona after encountering delays with the production of their car for the new rules cycle.

Formula 1 hired the Montmelo track to afford the 11 teams on the grid this year a chance to debug their packages for the 2026 regulations. Mercedes’ reliability has proven to be one of the trends to emerge during the shakedown, where teams can run on three of the five days.

Team principal James Vowles has announced that Williams will be ready in time for the first proper pre-season test under the 2026 F1 regulations in Bahrain on February 11-13. Vowles has praised Sainz’s response to Williams’ delay, as well, but also admits he was “frustrated”.

Williams stun F1 fans with Carlos Sainz’s seat fit after missing the Barcelona shakedown test

Sainz has been at the Williams factory this week to help the Grove squad get ready for the new season with a series of virtual tests. But a raft of F1 fans were stunned when Williams shared images on X this Thursday showing Sainz completing his seat fit in their new FW48.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about F1’s 2026 engine and aero regulations

One fan questioned in response to Williams’ post: “Are you telling me that you still have not done the seat as of January 29? I’m trying to have faith in this team, but you’re not making it easy.” Another Formula 1 fan also declared: “Bro just got his seat fitting? Oh, you’re cooked.”

Another F1 fan also queried, “Finally got the seat in the car?”, and one suggested, “Not the smoothest of operations, is it?” The fact Williams shared the images of Sainz’s seat fit while their rival teams are on the fourth day of the Barcelona shakedown did not go amiss, either.

One fan noted: “Everyone else is testing their new cars, meanwhile you’ve barely assembled yours and are just getting in the seat? What amazing speed!” Another fan also stated: “The other teams are on their fourth day of testing, and you guys are just finishing the car seat?”

Alex Albon completed his seat fit in Williams’ 2026 F1 car on January 15

What impact will Williams missing the Barcelona shakedown test have on their 2026 season?

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While a number of F1 fans questioned the timing of Sainz’s seat fit, given Williams have had to miss the Barcelona shakedown test due to delays in their programme, Alex Albon already completed his seat fit weeks ago. Williams released images of Albon’s seat fit on January 15.

Also, Williams could have made it to the shakedown in Barcelona and put their new car on track during the five-day test. But Vowles decided against taking part in the shakedown, as he feared any incidents in Montmelo could have left them short on parts at the early races.

Reports have also emerged that suggest fears that Williams’ chassis is massively overweight are exaggerated. Concerns spread after the Grove natives confirmed that they would sit out the Barcelona shakedown test that they had exceeded the 768kg minimum weight for 2026.