From Motorsport · Ben Vinel · · 1m 10s
FIA explains F1 race stoppage in rain
FIA reveals why F1 cars halted in rain at Bahrain GP.
In brief
FIA reveals why F1 cars halted in rain at Bahrain GP. FIA confirmed F1 cars stopped due to software glitch from slow driving in rain, requiring 53-minute update to restart race. Originally reported by Motorsport.
FIA explains race stoppage
The FIA revealed Formula 1 cars halted during the Sepang race start due to a software glitch.
“The start of the Sepang race was delayed by 40 minutes due to a downpour; then a chaotic formation lap saw the likes front-row starters Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton suffer from a glitch which rendered throttle input ineffective, with numerous cars coming to a standstill. The red flag was waved.”
Glitch caused by slow driving
Cars drove extremely slowly during the formation lap, triggering a software bug that prevented power redeployment.
“Basically, the formation lap, some cars went very slowly, almost came to a standstill. There was a bit of a concertina effect between cars, and some cars almost stopped completely. And that bug prevented the power to be redeployed and for the cars to start again.”
47% electrical power issue
Formula 1’s new machinery uses 47% electrical power, making it vulnerable to rain-related software failures.
“the electronic side”
53-minute delay for update
A 53-minute delay was needed to implement a software update after the race was halted.
“A software update therefore had to be carried out, hence a 53-minute delay to get the race restarted.”
FIA response time
The FIA team worked under time pressure to issue a software update within 20 minutes.
“Once the problem happened, our guys realised very quickly what was happening and had to work under a lot of time pressure for an update to the software, which was issued to the teams, and the teams had to install it on their cars.”
Driver reactions
Sergio Perez called the situation 'unacceptable' while Lando Norris described it as 'just horrible'.
“Sergio Perez ; Lando Norris described it as "just horrible" and evidence that "we shouldn't have any of that stuff, the electronic side"”
Fernando Alonso's comment
Fernando Alonso joked about his team's 50% DNFs this season during wet conditions.
“I had 50% DNFs this year, they never stopped the race for us.”
The key point
FIA confirmed F1 cars stopped due to software glitch from slow driving in rain, requiring 53-minute update to restart race.
