FIA release statement after F1 cars’ ‘software error’ sparks Bahrain Grand Prix chaos

The FIA released a post-race statement confirming that an undetected software issue contributed to an extended delay at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. During formation laps behind the safety car, multiple drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, suffered unexpected power loss caused by a combination of low engine speed, wet-weather energy settings, and circuit characteristics.

To resolve the problem, the FIA Technical Department distributed an updated software release to teams during the stoppage, removing energy limit constraints in affected sectors. FIA single seater director Nikolas Tombazis confirmed an error existed in wet-weather configurations and noted a full review will be conducted.