FIA to investigate software bug after Bahrain GP in Malaysia
The FIA is investigating a software glitch that caused power issues for Formula One cars during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, experienced significant performance problems due to the bug.
Why it matters
Technical failures in high-stakes professional sports raise questions about the reliability of new automotive technologies and the impact of software on competitive fairness.
Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Sepang International Circuit, Sepang, Malaysia - October 4, 2026 General view of sunset after the race as a flight takes off REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain
SEPANG, Malaysia, Oct 5 : Formula One's governing body has promised a full investigation into a software bug that caused chaos and forced the start of Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia to be aborted with drivers feeling like they were in battery-powered cars made of Lego.
Ferrari's seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's four-time champion and eventual race winner Max Verstappen were among several affected by the glitch on a formation lap after torrential rain and a long delay at Malaysia's steamy Sepang circuit.
Also covering this story
22 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
‘Insane’: F1 drivers unite over engine regulations after chaotic Bahrain GP
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Verstappen wins chaotic race from Antonelli as Russell retires late on
Why is F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia Sunday? How Country Switch Affects Race
Powerless F1 drivers frustrated by Bahrain F1 software glitch
Formula 1 race in Malaysia starts late
Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Max Verstappen wins first race of 2026 F1 season in wild, rain-hit Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton surges back
F1: Lawson claims seventh after flying start as Verstappen wins in Malaysia
Lawson fails to make top 10, Verstappen takes pole in Malaysia
Bahrain GP in Malaysia 2026: Red Bull upgrade enlivens F1
'Incredible' Red Bull upgrade enlivens F1 in Malaysia
FIA accused of 'breaking rule' for Lewis Hamilton as mayhem erupts at Bahrain GP
Sepang deluge puts Bahrain Grand Prix on hold minutes before lights out
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go viral after "wholesome" Sepang F1 moment - Motorsport.com
Formula 1 live updates: Liam Lawson starts 11th in Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
LIVE: Reaction as Verstappen wins chaotic Bahrain GP in Malaysia, Russell retires
Live updates: Formula 1 in Bahrain/Malaysia: Who can stop Max Verstappen?
F1 takeaways: Verstappen storms to victory in Malaysia with vintage performance
Max Verstappen wins chaotic F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia after rain causes farcical scenes
Start of Malaysian F1 race delayed by huge downpour
Motor racing-Bahrain Grand Prix gets underway at Sepang after long rain delay
Verstappen wins rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go viral after "wholesome" Sepang F1 moment
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in