Software Bug Turns Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix Start Into Lego Race
· Sports · BBC Sport, BBC News
A software bug affecting engine electrical power in wet conditions disrupted multiple cars before the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, prompting drivers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to describe the scene as a "Lego race." A tropical downpour delayed the start for nearly an hour, and formation laps behind a safety car revealed several vehicles struggling to move due to low engine speeds, low grip, and circuit layout factors. Verstappen won the race for his first victory of the year, while Hamilton finished third after having to stop and restart his car on track. Mercedes driver George Russell retired with an engine failure, stating the situation did not feel like Formula 1. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis announced a full investigation, noting that the software had not been tested under these specific wet conditions.
Why it matters
The software failure disrupted the start of a major Formula 1 race and forced governing body FIA to launch an investigation to prevent future reliability issues.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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