Powerless F1 drivers frustrated by Bahrain F1 software glitch
7 hours ago
- A software bug in the power unit's wet weather mode caused multiple Formula 1 cars to enter idle mode during the formation lap at the Bahrain GP in Malaysia.
- The glitch forced a 50-minute race delay while the FIA rapidly developed and distributed a software patch for all teams to install during a red flag.
- Drivers like Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Sergio Perez, Oliver Bearman, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen expressed strong frustration, calling the issue 'horrible', 'scary', and 'totally unacceptable' for the sport.
- The incident reinforced driver criticisms of the 2026 generation's heavy reliance on complex electronics and hybrid systems, with some calling for a move away from such technology.
- Max Verstappen, who triggered the bug with his slow getaway, noted the engines are so complicated that such software issues are inevitable and detrimental to the sport's image.