Formula 1 launches review into software glitch that disrupted Bahrain GP in Malaysia

Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, said it will conduct a full review of a software-related power loss that disrupted the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with several cars slowing dramatically or stopping during the formation lap.

The FIA said an “unprecedented combination” of low engine speed, low-grip conditions, wet-weather energy management settings and the configuration of the Sepang International Circuit caused a number of cars to lose power.

“As a result, the FIA Technical Department removed the energy limit constraint in the affected sectors through an updated software release distributed to all competitors during the race delay caused by heavy rain, enabling teams to make the necessary changes to the Power Unit before the start of the race,” it said.

The governing body said the problem had not been detected by either the FIA or teams during testing or laps to the grid.

“The FIA, together with the teams and Power Unit manufacturers, will undertake a full review of the issue,” it added.

Heavy rain delayed Sunday's scheduled start at Sepang by 40 minutes when several drivers, including eventual winner Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, encountered power problems during the formation lap.

Verstappen likens power loss to 'Lego race'

Verstappen said Formula 1's increasingly complex power units and their reliance on software contributed to the problem.

“That's the problem that we have. You know, these engines are so complicated and a lot of software is implemented,” the Red Bull driver said.

Verstappen said he was the first driver to encounter the issue before looking in his mirrors and seeing others struggling behind him.

“It was like the Lego race,” he said, referring to the drivers' parade at this year's British Grand Prix in which the drivers raced life-sized Lego cars.

Hamilton replied: “Yeah, we had the same speed.”

Verstappen added: “Same speed. Yeah, it was insane. Like, it's the Lego power. At some point we were five-wide on the straight because we couldn't understand what was going on.”

Hamilton said his Ferrari eventually slowed to the point that he had to stop on track.

“I had to stop on track and stop the car and engine and restart it. I've never done that before,” the seven-time world champion said.

Verstappen went on to win the race ahead of Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, while Hamilton recovered from 18th place following an unsuccessful tire gamble to finish third.