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Drivers report power loss during F1 formation lap
F1 drivers describe software glitch halting race start with power loss.
In brief
F1 drivers describe software glitch halting race start with power loss. Formula 1 drivers experienced a software glitch during formation laps that caused power loss and slow speeds, leading to race control abandoning the start and issuing a software update. Originally reported by RaceFans.
Formation lap chaos
Formula 1 drivers faced confusion as a software glitch caused some cars to slow to a crawl and others to stop entirely during yesterday’s grand prix.
“A software glitch struck much of the grid, causing some cars to slow to a crawl and others to stop entirely.”
Max Verstappen’s struggle
Verstappen’s car almost stopped at the front but a steering wheel switch fixed the issue, though he spotted a nail in his tire later.
“Verstappen slows at turn 10 Well, this is fucked. I can’t accelerate.”
Lewis Hamilton’s issue
Hamilton lost power and struggled to accelerate, but restarting his car resolved the problem after a software update.
“I’ve lost power. Something’s happened, I’ve got no… I’m just ticking over in first gear.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s experience
Antonelli’s car remained unaffected, though he saw multiple drivers struggling with power loss and slow speeds.
“Er, Max has a problem I think.”
Charles Leclerc’s problem
Leclerc experienced power loss and struggled to accelerate, but his car eventually regained speed after instructions from his race engineer.
“I’m stuck, I don’t have power.”
Lando Norris’s issue
Norris lost power and nearly skidded off the track while trying to overtake slower cars, but the problem cleared quickly.
“Happening? I’ve got no power at all.”
Oscar Piastri’s situation
Piastri did not experience power loss and maintained speed while others struggled with the software glitch.
“Can I…”
George Russell’s problem
Russell faced similar issues to Antonelli but managed to keep his car moving while others struggled with power loss.
“So he was tight?”
Fernando Alonso’s experience
Alonso saw multiple drivers struggling with power loss and was allowed to pass slower cars during the formation lap.
“Fuck, now Bortoleto has a problem.”
Race control response
Race control abandoned the race start and summoned drivers back to pits for a software update, taking over an hour to resolve.
“Eventually race control abandoned the attempt to start the race and summoned the field back into the pits so the FIA could issue a software update.”
Software issue impact
The software glitch affected multiple power units, causing drivers to lose power and slow down during formation laps.
“It’s not working, guys.”
Red flag procedure
A red flag was issued as cars stopped on the track, leading to a pit lane procedure for drivers to restart the race.
“Red flag, red flag. They’re coming into the pit lane.”
Pit lane adjustments
Drivers were instructed to use pit limiters and maintain low gear speeds to avoid further issues during the restart.
“Pit limiter when you enter the pit lane.”
Race restart outcome
The race was restarted after drivers completed a software update, though some drivers lost starting positions due to the glitch.
“So we’ll just follow the Safety Car into the pit lane.”
Driver reactions
Drivers expressed frustration over the software glitch and its impact on race start procedures and starting positions.
“Why, why they put the red flag this is racing, you know, we go.”
Aftermath
The incident highlighted software vulnerabilities in F1 power units and led to race control issuing a software update to resolve the issue.
“It looks like all the Ferrari power units are struggling.”
Here's the gist
Formula 1 drivers experienced a software glitch during formation laps that caused power loss and slow speeds, leading to race control abandoning the start and issuing a software update.
