Formula One to probe software bug behind Bahrain GP chaos in Sepang

Formula One’s governing body said it will conduct a full review after a software fault caused severe power loss for several cars during the formation lap at the Sepang race, disrupting the start. The glitch occurred following heavy rain and a lengthy delay, leaving drivers likening the experience to driving underpowered or toy-like cars. Among those affected were Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who reported having to stop and restart his car on track — an action he described as a first in his career — and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who compared the situation to a “Lego race.” The issue formed part of a wider set of complaints this season about managing the new cars’ increased electrical complexity. In response, the FIA’s technical department issued a software update during the rain delay that removed an energy limit constraint in the sectors identified as problematic, allowing teams to adjust power-unit settings before the race start. The federation said the bug had not been identified during preseason testing or earlier laps to the grid. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said a lack of wet-condition preseason testing contributed to the problem, adding that cars at times slowed dramatically and some nearly stopped due to the inability to redeploy power. The FIA said it will review the incident together with teams and power unit manufacturers to prevent a recurrence.