Verstappen wins chaotic rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
- On Sunday, the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia experienced a lengthy delay after a software bug caused multiple drivers to lose power during the formation lap. The FIA intervened with emergency measures to resolve the issue.
- An unprecedented combination of low engine speed, low-grip conditions, and Sepang circuit configuration created what one senior source called a "perfect storm." Teams had loaded wet-weather software parameters for the first time this year, but no wet sessions had occurred during 2026 testing.
- FIA Technical Department removed the energy limit constraint through an emergency software update distributed to all competitors during the 40 minutes of weather delay. The fix required about 20-25 minutes to install and verify across the field before racing could resume.
- Race Control red-flagged the start procedure after Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, among multiple drivers, struggled with failsafe modes as their cars lost power. The field eventually returned to the grid and the race proceeded after the software patch was applied.
- Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord remarked, "Formula 1 is really difficult" when encountering untested situations. The FIA, together with teams and Power Unit manufacturers, committed to a full review to prevent similar issues in future races.
523 Articles
523 Articles
Max Verstappen wants a 'lesson learned' after software issues in F1 cars delay race start
Max Verstappen said he wants “a lesson learned” after Formula 1 drivers and fans were left waiting for software updates because the cars' algorithms weren’t able to handle a wet track.
This is Verstappen's first victory in 2026.
Ckpg Today
Verstappen beats Antonelli to win F1’s Bahrain GP in Malaysia as Russell retires
SEPANG, Malaysia (AP) — Max Verstappen's long wait for another Formula 1 race win is finally over. The title race might be over, too. Verstappen took his first victory of an often-frustrating year for the four-time champion at Formula 1's Bahrain Grand...
Max Verstappen is the winner of one of the most chaotic races of the Formula 1 season, triumphing in the Bahrain Grand Prix, held in extraordinary fashion at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. The Red Bull driver took his first victory of the season, leaving behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, while Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton completed the podium. The race, which officially kept the name of the Bahrain Grand Prix, was moved to Malaysia due to the securi…
LancasterOnline
Santa Maria TimesSEPANG, Malaysia (AP) — Max Verstappen achieved his first victory of the year on Sunday, but it was the abandonment of George Russell that gave him a huge boost in the fight for the title of Kimi Antonelli in the Grand...
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