Williams released a short press release to update about their winter tests program in Montmelò. After missing the shakedown and the first test day, the Grove-based team is losing also the second day of test as the car is not ready yet. The situation looks really critical as teams just got eight days of testing so there will be little time to gain enough data before Melbourne. The build of the FW42 appears to be really late as the team wasn’t able to finish it in time and they only presented a show car with the team’s new colours in Barcelona.

Team principal Claire Williams declared: “It is looking more likely than not that we will now not be in a position to run on track until Wednesday at the earliest. This is obviously extremely disappointing, but it is unfortunately the situation we are in. We will be getting the FW42 on track as soon as we are able.”

The new car should arrive in Spain later today, in order be on track tomorrow, which it’s not sure yet. Williams also changed its driver program, as Nicholas Latifi has been took out from testing to give more time to official drivers Robert Kubica and rookie George Russell.

Rumors reported that the new car is supposed to be two seconds slower compared to 2018, as there were troubles to regain the downforce that has been lost due to rule changes on front wings. If sources are going to be confirmed, Williams is likely to face another season on the back of the grid.

There were also speculations about the role of Paddy Lowe, Williams’ chief technical officer, as he could be responsible for the delay of the car. His future at Grove seems uncertain as Williams' bad shape appears to be strictly related with him joining the team.