FIA to review software bug after cars lose power at Sepang
The governing body says wet conditions and energy-management settings contributed to power loss on the formation lap before the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The FIA will review a software bug that caused several cars to lose power on the formation lap at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit before the Bahrain Grand Prix. Heavy rain had delayed the start, and the issue forced the formation lap to be aborted.
The FIA attributed the power loss to an unusual combination of low engine speed, low grip, wet-weather energy settings and Sepang’s sector layout. It said the issue had not been detected during testing or on laps to the grid; its explanation remains preliminary pending a full review.
During the rain delay, the FIA removed an energy-limit constraint in affected sectors through a software update distributed to competitors. The review will involve teams and power unit manufacturers.
Lewis Hamilton stopped and restarted his car on track, which he said was a first in his career. Max Verstappen compared the experience to a “Lego race” and went on to win.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said more pre-season wet-weather testing might have identified the bug. Sepang was the season’s first race weekend with wet conditions, though the track dried during the race.
