News Summary
- The FIA identified the combination of factors behind the formation-lap power failures at Sepang.
- A software update removed the energy limit constraint in the affected sectors before the race.
- The problem had escaped detection during testing and the laps to the grid.
The FIA confirmed that the power failures which disrupted the Bahrain Grand Prix’s starting procedure at Sepang had not been detected during testing or the laps to the grid. Multiple cars lost power during the initial formation lap on Sunday, forcing another interruption after heavy rain had already delayed the race.
The governing body identified four interacting factors: low engine speed, low grip, wet-weather energy management settings and the circuit’s sector configuration. Its technical department subsequently distributed a software update to allow teams to address the problem before the start.
“On the formation lap ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, an unprecedented combination of low engine speed, low-grip conditions, wet-weather energy management settings and the Sepang circuit’s sector configuration led to an unintended loss of power for a number of cars,” the FIA said.
Max Verstappen reported difficulty accelerating, while Lewis Hamilton stopped on the main straight after reporting that pressing the throttle produced no response. Other drivers also encountered difficulties before race control suspended the procedure and sent the field back to the pits.
Software update removed an energy limit constraint
The immediate intervention involved removing the energy limit constraint in the affected sectors. The FIA made an updated software release available to all competitors during the delay, enabling teams to change their power unit settings before racing began.
“As a result, the FIA Technical Department removed the energy limit constraint in the affected sectors through an updated software release distributed to all competitors during the race delay caused by heavy rain enabling teams to make the necessary changes to the Power Unit before the start of the race,” the statement continued.
The explanation places energy management at the centre of the incident, alongside the particular conditions encountered during the formation lap. The FIA did not identify a single manufacturer as responsible or provide a car-by-car account of the failures.
The full Sepang race report and results detail how the event eventually resumed, with Verstappen winning ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Hamilton.
FIA announces review with teams and manufacturers
The FIA will now examine the issue alongside the teams and power unit manufacturers. The review follows a problem that emerged during the formation procedure despite the cars having already completed testing and their journeys to the grid.
“This issue had not been detected by the FIA or the teams during testing or during the laps to the grid. The FIA, together with the teams and Power Unit manufacturers, will undertake a full review of the issue,” it concluded.
The statement establishes the combination of circumstances behind the unintended power loss and the corrective action taken before the race. It does not specify when the full review will be completed or whether further changes will follow.
After the interrupted start, Verstappen secured his first victory of 2026 and the first Grand Prix win for Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Antonelli’s second place extended his championship advantage over George Russell to 84 points, following his teammate’s late retirement.
Formula 1 returns from 9–11 October for the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action throughout the weekend.
F1 today: FAQ
Who won the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?
Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday, 4 October, taking his first victory of the 2026 F1 season. Kimi Antonelli finished second, with Lewis Hamilton completing the podium.
Why was the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia delayed?
Heavy rain initially delayed the start at Sepang. Several drivers then experienced power delivery problems during the formation procedure, forcing race control to suspend the start again. The race eventually began more than 90 minutes after its scheduled time.
How far ahead is Kimi Antonelli in the F1 championship?
Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 84 points after finishing second at Sepang while his Mercedes teammate retired. Antonelli has 320 points, Russell has 236 and Lewis Hamilton is third with 214.
Why did F1 cars lose power during the Sepang formation lap?
The FIA identified an unprecedented combination of low engine speed, low grip, wet-weather energy management settings and Sepang’s sector configuration.
