# F1 software glitch slows cars on formation lap

> F1 cars stalled during Bahrain Grand Prix formation lap due to software error.
- Title: F1 software glitch slows cars on formation lap · RaceFans
- Summary: F1 cars stalled during Bahrain Grand Prix formation lap due to software error. FIA software settings caused 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix cars to lose power during…
- Keywords: fia, bahrain grand prix, 2026, formation lap, software glitch, max verstappen, sepang circuit, sports, cars, software, glitch, slows
- Source: RaceFans — https://racefans.net/2026/10/05/fans-video-shows-moment-software-glitch-slowed-f1-cars-to-a-crawl-on-formation-lap
- Published: 2026-10-05T07:56:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fia, f1, bahrain grand prix, 2026, formation lap, software glitch, max verstappen, sepang circuit, sports, cars
## Bahrain Grand Prix delay
Formula 1’s 2026 engine regulations faced criticism after Bahrain Grand Prix formation lap delay.
## Formation lap software issue
Pole-winner Max Verstappen and several drivers slowed to a crawl as power units wouldn’t allow acceleration.
## Verstappen’s Lego comparison
Verstappen said he had as much power as in Lego promotional event, describing cars as crawling at same speed.

> It was like the Lego race. Same speed. It was insane, it’s the Lego power.
## FIA explanation
FIA attributed power loss to low engine speed, low-grip conditions, wet-weather settings and Sepang circuit configuration.
## Driver reactions
Drivers reported cars still crawling after lap despite inability to understand software issue.

> At some point we were five-wide on the straight because we couldn’t understand what was going on. Then we did a lap and then i see eight other cars crawling still
## Key takeaway

FIA software settings caused 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix cars to lose power during formation lap.