# FIA concludes investigation into Malaysia software bug

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/technical-issues-at-the-2026-bahrain-grand-prix
> Updated: 2026-10-06T15:50:33.000Z. Sources: 44. Developments: 5.

The FIA has concluded its investigation into the software malfunction that caused significant power loss during the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The investigation confirmed that the issue arose when cars operated at low engine RPMs in sectors where a 250 kW power reduction was active during heavy rain, causing an unintended loss of power that left cars crawling or stopped on track.

To prevent a recurrence, the FIA intends to reinstate the specific software configuration used at Sepang for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix if similar wet weather conditions are anticipated. A further software update is also scheduled for the United States Grand Prix in October. Moving forward, the FIA plans to collaborate with all 11 constructors and power unit manufacturers to enhance software testing and verification processes.

In championship news, Mercedes driver George Russell will face a grid penalty at the Singapore Grand Prix. Following the power unit failure experienced in Malaysia, the required engine replacement will force him to start from the back of the grid, presenting a significant setback in his title battle against teammate Kimi Antonelli.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: FIA concludes investigation into F1 software bug in Malaysia

The FIA has identified a software bug causing power loss in F1 cars during wet conditions in Malaysia. Fixes will be applied in Singapore, while George Russell faces a grid penalty in Singapore due to engine Wo

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fia-completes-investigation-into-malaysian-grand-prix-software-error

### 2026-10-04: Mercedes faces engine setbacks at Sepang Grand Prix

Software bugs and heavy rain caused chaos at the Sepang Grand Prix, featuring engine issues for Ferrari and a late power unit failure for Mercedes' George Russell.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mercedes-faces-engine-setbacks-at-sepang-grand-prix

### 2026-10-04: Formula 1 software bug causes chaos at Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia

A software bug in the 2026-spec Formula 1 cars caused multiple drivers to stall during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, leading to a delayed start and an official FIA investigation.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fia-to-investigate-chaotic-grand-prix-start-at-sepang

### 2026-10-04: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton criticize FIA over race technical issues

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have criticized the FIA, calling a recent race “insane” due to technical glitches and regulatory failures that left cars unable to accelerate.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/max-verstappen-and-lewis-hamilton-criticize-fia-over-race-technical-issues

### 2026-10-04: Sepang F1 return marked by Verstappen win and FIA software errors

Max Verstappen won the Formula 1 race at Sepang, Malaysia, amid FIA software errors that stalled cars and logistical challenges facing fans and organizers.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lewis-hamilton-secures-podium-in-challenging-malaysia-race

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Cite as: FIA concludes investigation into Malaysia software bug. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/technical-issues-at-the-2026-bahrain-grand-prix