F1 drivers criticise engine rules after software failure delays Sepang start

Formula One drivers criticised the sport's engine regulations after a software fault disrupted preparations for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, delaying the start by 53 minutes. According to The Guardian, several cars struggled to accelerate or stopped during two wet formation laps at Sepang before the field returned to the pit lane for a software update.

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Red Bull's Max Verstappen eventually won the race, but the failures prompted complaints from across the grid. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli said cars had ended up five abreast on a straight as drivers tried to understand what was happening. Lewis Hamilton reported having to stop his car and engine on the circuit before restarting, something he said he had never previously done.

The Guardian reported that the problem involved engine-control software that had not been tested sufficiently in wet, low-grip conditions. The FIA described the consequence as an unintended loss of power. With cars unable to complete their preparations normally, the start was aborted so the software could be updated before racing began.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis acknowledged that limited wet running during the year had restricted testing. He explained that some cars slowed almost to a standstill on the formation lap, creating a concertina effect behind them. Under that combination of circumstances, the bug prevented power from being deployed again, leaving affected drivers unable to get moving.

Tombazis said more testing would probably have exposed the fault before it caused the disruption. The episode also drew renewed criticism from McLaren's defending champion Lando Norris, who finished ninth. Norris objected to the electronic complexity, while Williams driver Carlos Sainz questioned how regulations so demanding for drivers, teams, engine suppliers and manufacturers had been chosen.

The current engine formula divides power almost equally between electrical and combustion sources. The Guardian reported that it will remain in place this season, with a small adjustment planned for next year and more substantial change in 2028. Verstappen called for lessons to be learned from the incident, joining drivers whose concerns extended beyond the immediate software repair to the regulations themselves.