Software problems delay Bahrain Grand Prix start in Malaysia

Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix start in Malaysia was abandoned after software-related power delivery problems left several cars crawling or unable to accelerate during the wet-weather formation lap, delaying the race beyond an earlier rain postponement. Max Verstappen won the race after the disruption, which prompted the FIA to issue updated software parameters before the start procedure resumed. The problems emerged as drivers completed formation laps at Sepang in slippery conditions. Verstappen said his car slowed to about 35 km/h while climbing and lost speed, while Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari stopped on track. Hamilton said he shut down the car and engine before restarting them. Other cars also moved at very low speeds or stopped, and the field became scattered around the circuit before race control called the drivers back to the pits. The FIA said an updated software release removed an energy-limit constraint in affected sectors. Teams had to load the revised parameters into their cars before the start could proceed.