A Formula 1 team could become dark horses for the 2026 world title after reportedly finishing their car before their rivals.
The 2026 season will kick off in March with the Australian Grand Prix, taking place around Albert Park in Melbourne.
Ahead of the much-anticipated return of F1, there have been major changes made to the sport's technical regulations.
From 2026, the cars are set to be more agile, and the power units will be redesigned, with more focus on battery power and the use of advanced sustainable fuels. The new rules promise to produce closer battles on track.
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With teams expected to reveal their car designs this month, a potential dark horse may have been spotted already.
According to Last Word On Sports, Williams could be the first team to finish their 2026 car.
Since James Vowles became team principal, Williams have been on the up.
Having attracted high-calibre drivers in Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon, Williams enjoyed two podiums during the 2025 season.
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Overall, they finished fifth with 137 points, and became the 'best of the rest' after the big-hitters of Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren.
Looking ahead to 2026, Vowles stated that several key milestones have already been met with their new car.
He said to German outlet AMuS: "The entire car has to be available for the VTT [Virtual Test Track] test bench at the beginning of January.
"We’ll probably be the first team to start that early. We don’t want to be caught off guard again, like we were in 2023."
Vowles added: “After the VTT tests, we will probably do another filming day before the three test days in Barcelona begin."
What makes Williams 'dark horses' for 2026?
In addition to being well prepared for the new campaign, another aspect that makes Williams the dark horses for 2026 is the fact that they will be running Mercedes-powered engines.
Paddock rumours have suggested that Mercedes power units are set to be the best on the grid from next year, with the likes of Alpine and McLaren also using Merc engines.
Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Show in December, reporter Simon Lazenby said: "Next year, let's say, you've got that Mercedes engine is seriously better than the others. If we assume that the equipment provided, maybe Mercedes will have an advantage because they are the works team.
"There are four teams with a good (driver) pairing. Maybe we can dial the pairing down a little bit for Alpine as they are still reconstructing. But let's say, a settled team at Williams, McLaren and Mercedes, all going at it in reasonably equal machinery."
Topics: Formula 1
Marcus Chan