F1 in Bahrain... in Malaysia: The race needed a software update to start
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix was relocated to Malaysia due to regional conflict and subsequently delayed by a software bug that affected the cars during formation laps. The race faced additional challenges from heavy tropical rain.
Why it matters
This incident illustrates the increasing reliance on complex software systems in professional sports and the logistical challenges of global racing series.
Balaysia? Mahrain? F1 in Bahrain… in Malaysia: The race needed a software update to start A software bug waylaid half the field and required a race reboot.
23 On a rainy day, Lewis Hamilton was among the drivers who shone. Credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto On a rainy day, Lewis Hamilton was among the drivers who shone. Credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Well, it’s safe to say no Bahrain Grand Prix has been affected by torrential rain quite like the 2026 race.
Also covering this story
24 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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