Gary Anderson warns Formula 1 escaped major disaster after widespread power unit failures in Malaysia's chaotic start.

Former Formula 1 designer Gary Anderson criticized the 2026 regulations after multiple cars suffered complete power failures during formation laps at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Anderson described feeling robbed of what should have been a great race when cars stopped everywhere due to software bugs that prevented electrical power deployment at low speeds.

Anderson questioned how the current power unit regulations comply with sporting rules requiring drivers to control their cars alone and unaided. He highlighted incidents where drivers pressed brake pedals but cars accelerated instead, asking how this meets the requirement for drivers to operate vehicles without assistance from automated systems.

Anderson called for fundamental changes to give drivers direct control through pedals and steering wheel, proposing a 75-25 split between internal combustion engine and electrical power instead of the current 50-50 balance. He argued this would eliminate the energy management complications that create dangerous unpredictability in modern Formula 1 cars.