Powerless F1 drivers frustrated by Bahrain F1 software glitch
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
A software glitch in F1's mandated ECU caused a chaotic delay at the wet Bahrain GP.
A bug in the FIA-mandated power unit controller software, triggered by wet weather mode at low speeds, left many F1 cars stuck in idle during the formation lap at the 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia. The race was red-flagged, and the FIA coded a patch in 50 minutes, which all 11 teams installed. Drivers including Norris, Perez, and Bearman criticized the over-reliance on electronics, with Bearman calling the loss of throttle control "scary." Verstappen triggered the issue with his slow getaway.
The incident has intensified driver frustration with the 2026 regulations' battery-dominated, software-heavy powertrains.
What commenters are saying
Commenters explained that the FIA mandates a single, standardized ECU firmware for all cars to prevent driver aids like traction control, which are banned to emphasize driver skill. The glitch occurred when the wet weather mode's low-speed behavior interacted badly with the turbocharger and anti-traction logic. Some noted the FIA's ability to push a live software patch during a red flag is both a safety and competition measure. A few questioned the wisdom of running unverified firmware at race speeds after a 50-minute fix.