FIA reviews Malaysia software failure after disrupted Bahrain Grand Prix start

The FIA has launched a review of the software failure that disrupted Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, BBC Sport reported on Monday. Several cars struggled to move during the formation laps, forcing officials to abandon the starting procedure. The race eventually began around 90 minutes later than originally scheduled after revised software was issued.

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According to the BBC, the fault involved an engine setting for wet conditions. Limited running in the rain this season meant the circumstances that exposed the bug had not previously occurred. Williams driver Carlos Sainz said the episode raised questions about decisions made years earlier when the current power-unit rules were developed.

The drivers' accounts in the FIA's official post-race press conference transcript describe how little control they had over the problem. Max Verstappen said his car was travelling at roughly 35 kilometres per hour and losing speed uphill. Looking behind him, he saw other cars moving slowly too, leaving him initially uncertain whether they were simply waiting for him or experiencing the same difficulty.

Lewis Hamilton confirmed in that press conference that the delay included time to update the software and load it into the cars. Verstappen said the revised version improved the situation, although he still experienced a wait for power at the start. His account distinguished the initial failure from the behaviour after the update, rather than suggesting every difficulty had disappeared immediately.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies also called for discussions about managing complexity, the BBC reported. Sainz directed his criticism at the underlying regulations while acknowledging the efforts of the governing body and championship organisers to work within them.

Formula 1's official race report recorded Verstappen's first victory of the season after the disrupted build-up. He recovered from losing positions to the Mercedes drivers at the start, with Red Bull's switch from intermediate tyres to soft slicks under a safety car helping his progress. Kimi Antonelli finished second and Hamilton third, a podium also confirmed by the FIA's press conference record.