Formula One ready for new season but eyes on the prize for 2026

Williams focuses on 2026, while other teams balance upgrades for 2025 and long-term success in Formula One.

Williams could be the most improved team when the Formula One season starts in Melbourne next week but 2026 is still the focus for faded former champions determined to get back on top.

Next year will be the dawn of a new engine era, coupled with significant chassis regulation changes, in a major shake-up that could send tremors through the paddock pecking order.

All teams, from top to bottom, have to decide at what point this season they cease to upgrade their cars and focus fully on 2026.

For teams like Williams, ninth out of 10 in 2024, that means switching far sooner than title-chasing rivals to give themselves the best chance of a big leap.

"I've been very clear from the beginning that 2026 is the year I want to make sure we put focus onto and that will have an effect on 2025," said Williams principal James Vowles at last month's car launch.

"My head is clear. It's about the future of this organisation. The bias is very much towards 2026. The second of January, which was the first legal date, our 2026 car was in the wind tunnel."

Williams were fastest in last week's Bahrain testing, with new arrival Carlos Sainz, and their overall package had rivals suggesting they could be top five contenders.