FIA reveals why F1 cars stopped in rain at Bahrain GP in Malaysia - motorsport.com
The FIA explained that Formula 1 cars experienced technical issues and stopped during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia due to a software bug in the new machinery's power unit. The bug was triggered by cars driving extremely slowly in wet conditions during the formation lap, leading to a 53-minute delay for a software update.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the complexities and challenges of integrating new technology in high-performance sports, impacting race safety, fairness, and the fan experience, while also demonstrating the FIA's response to critical technical failures.
The FIA has given insight into why Formula 1 cars experienced technical issues ahead of Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The start of the Sepang race was delayed by 40 minutes due to a downpour; then a chaotic formation lap saw the likes front-row starters Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton suffer from a glitch which rendered throttle input ineffective, with numerous cars coming to a standstill. The red flag was waved.
The situation was branded “unacceptable” by Sergio Perez; Lando Norris described it as “just horrible” and evidence that “we shouldn't have any of that stuff, the electronic side”, given this was linked to Formula 1’s new machinery, which features 47% electrical power.
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