Rain and car problems suspend Bahrain GP start in Malaysia

The start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was suspended after heavy rain and problems during the formation laps caused confusion among drivers at Sepang. Race control later said the original grid order would be used when the start resumed, but the reports available do not establish that racing restarted or provide a result. The race’s original start was delayed by about 40 minutes after rain hit the circuit. Once surface water had cleared, the field set off behind the safety car. The cars became spread out and some slowed or stopped as drivers encountered difficulties, prompting race control to halt the starting procedure. Max Verstappen, who had qualified on pole, slowed significantly during the formation lap. Formula 1’s account reported that Verstappen told his race engineer he could not accelerate. Lewis Hamilton, starting second, also moved slowly and briefly stopped before continuing. The accounts differ in their details about individual car problems, and the cause of every slowdown was not established. One report said Hamilton lost throttle because of a software issue and that his team corrected the problem, allowing him to continue.