The opening of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia on Sunday was marked by farcical scenes and a 53-minute delay. Heavy rain and a wet track led to an unanticipated software bug affecting Formula One cars, causing some drivers to lose acceleration and others to stop.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were among the drivers who experienced problems during the formation laps. The issue was attributed to a combination of low engine speeds, low-grip conditions, circuit layout, and the power delivery software's wet weather management.
The FIA described the problem as an unanticipated bug and applied a software update, which resolved the issue. Both Verstappen and Hamilton reportedly mocked the situation, comparing it to driving Lego cars.
The FIA has stated it will conduct a review with the teams and power unit manufacturers. However, the incident has highlighted concerns about the complexity of the engines and the extent to which control has been removed from drivers.