# FIA software bug causes Bahrain GP chaos

> FIA software glitch at Sepang led to cars stalling during formation laps, forcing a 40-minute delay before race restart.
- Title: FIA software bug causes Bahrain GP chaos · Autosport
- Summary: FIA software glitch at Sepang led to cars stalling during formation laps, forcing a 40-minute delay before race restart. A software bug caused cars to stall…
- Keywords: fia, formula 1, bahrain gp, sepan, safety car, software bug, race delay, formation laps, max verstappen, lewis hamilton, red bull racing, racing bulls
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/how-fia-software-bug-caused-chaos-in-bahrain-gp-in-malaysia-and-the-emergency-fix-that-saved-the-ra/10861989
- Author: Ronald Vording
- Published: 2026-10-04T13:50:48+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fia, formula 1, bahrain gp, sepan, safety car, software bug, race delay, formation laps, max verstappen, lewis hamilton, red bull racing, racing bulls
## Formation laps chaos
Cars stalled during formation laps behind safety car at Sepang International Circuit.
## FIA software bug
FIA software bug prevented power redeployment after cars slowed to near stop.
## Throttle malfunction
Drivers reported throttle pedal unresponsive with engine idling at low speeds.
## Max Verstappen affected
Max Verstappen slowed significantly during formation laps behind safety car.
## Red Bull and Racing Bulls
Red Bull and Racing Bulls teams tested software but not at low speeds.
## Emergency fix deployed
FIA lifted energy limit constraint for affected minisectors to restart race.
## Race delay impact
40-minute delay before fans saw F1 action after red flag.
## Why bug occurred
Software not tested at extremely low speeds behind safety car.
## FIA response
FIA confirmed software update was rushed but safe for race restart.
## Post-race analysis
FIA will review to prevent recurrence but cannot guarantee bug won't happen again.
## Key takeaway

A software bug caused cars to stall during formation laps at Sepang, leading to a 40-minute delay before the race restarted.