The FIA revealed an unprecedented software bug caused multiple Formula 1 cars to lose power during formation laps at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and other drivers experienced complete throttle response failure when their cars reached very low speeds behind the safety car, forcing race control to abandon the start procedure.
The glitch occurred when cars drove extremely slowly during the concertina effect between vehicles, triggering a software loop that prevented electrical power redeployment. All throttle input redirected toward recharging the MGU-K system, explaining why drivers felt no acceleration despite pressing their pedals.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis explained the software was tested extensively but not under the specific low-speed conditions encountered during safety car periods. The problem was related to the 250kW electrical power reduction in wet conditions combined with Sepang's sector configuration and wet-weather energy management settings.
The FIA provided an emergency software update within 20 minutes, removing energy limit constraints in affected sectors to allow the race to proceed. While not a perfect long-term solution, the fix enabled teams to install modified software and restart the race after a 53-minute delay, saving the Malaysian Grand Prix from cancellation.