# Bahrain Grand Prix delayed by software issue and rain

> Heavy rain and software glitch delay Bahrain Grand Prix start by 1.5 hours.
- Title: Bahrain Grand Prix delayed by software issue and rain
- Summary: Heavy rain and software glitch delay Bahrain Grand Prix start by 1.5 hours. Bahrain Grand Prix start delayed 1 hour 30 minutes due to rain and a software…
- Keywords: bahrain grand prix, formula 1, max verstappen, lewis hamilton, fia, mercedes, safety car, software issue, rain, sepang international circuit, sports, cars
- Source: RaceFans — https://racefans.net/2026/10/04/software-issue-and-downpour-delays-race-start-by-an-hour-and-a-half
- Published: 2026-10-04T08:02:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bahrain grand prix, formula 1, max verstappen, lewis hamilton, fia, mercedes, safety car, software issue, rain, sepang international circuit, sports, cars
## Race start delayed twice
The Bahrain Grand Prix start was delayed twice due to heavy rain and technical problems with several cars.
## First delay from rain
Heavy rain struck the Sepang International Circuit, delaying the start by 40 minutes after drivers left the pit lane for pre-race reconnaissance laps.
## Safety car formation laps
Once the surface water cleared, race control sent the field away behind the Safety Car for at least two formation laps.
## Verstappen slows at turn 13
Pole-winner Max Verstappen slowed significantly at turn 13, telling race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase he couldn't accelerate due to a software issue.

> I can't accelerate, not working, guys
## Hamilton and field slow
Lewis Hamilton moved at a crawl while several drivers passed him, others held back due to technical problems or hesitation.
## Race suspended at 3:45pm
Race control suspended the start at 3:45pm local time, resuming at 4:33pm with the original grid order.
## Key takeaway

Bahrain Grand Prix start delayed 1 hour 30 minutes due to rain and a software issue affecting multiple cars.