FIA to investigate software bug after Bahrain GP in Malaysia

The Formula One governing body, the FIA, announced plans to investigate a software bug that caused chaos during the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The bug led to several drivers feeling like they were in battery-powered cars, notably affecting Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Verstappen compared the experience to a Lego race, while Hamilton had to stop and restart his car, which he described as a career first.

This issue occurred during a formation lap following torrential rain and a long delay at the Sepang circuit. The FIA attributed the glitch to an unprecedented combination of factors including low engine speed, low-grip conditions, wet-weather energy management settings, and the circuit's layout. The technical department removed an energy limit constraint in affected sectors through an updated software release during the race delay.

The FIA acknowledged that the lack of pre-season testing in wet conditions contributed to the problem and stated that a full review of the issue would be conducted.