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FIA concludes investigation into Malaysia software bug

Updated 12 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-08 09:51 UTC → 2026-10-08 12:30 UTC · added ~~removed~~

~~Technical issues and~~ FIA concludes investigation ~~at Bahrain Grand Prix~~ into Malaysia software bug

The ~~2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, held at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia as a replacement venue, was defined by technical failures and logistical challenges. An~~ FIA has concluded its investigation into the software ~~bug related to 2026-specification hybrid power management~~ malfunction that caused ~~several cars—including those of Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Esteban Ocon, and Valtteri Bottas—to lose~~ significant power ~~or stall~~ loss during ~~formation laps~~ the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in ~~heavy rain.~~ Malaysia. The ~~bug occurred when onboard software incorrectly interpreted~~ investigation confirmed that the ~~extremely~~ issue arose when cars operated at low ~~speeds under the safety car during~~ engine RPMs in sectors where a 250 kW power reduction was active during heavy ~~downpour as~~ rain, causing an ~~emergency shutdown. This triggered a mandatory 60-second lockout~~ unintended loss of ~~the electric motors, preventing drivers from using electric~~ power ~~to compensate for turbo lag. The~~ that left cars crawling or stopped on track. To prevent a recurrence, the FIA ~~issued an emergency software patch~~ intends to ~~lift these energy constraints after~~ reinstate the ~~glitch created an ‘accordion effect’~~ specific software configuration used at ~~low speeds. Max Verstappen secured the victory, marking~~ Sepang for the ~~first win~~ upcoming Singapore Grand Prix if similar wet weather conditions are anticipated. A further software update is also scheduled for the ~~Red Bull Ford power unit. Kimi Antonelli took second, extending his championship lead over George Russell~~ United States Grand Prix in October. Moving forward, the FIA plans to ~~84 points~~ collaborate with ~~seven races remaining. Lewis Hamilton recovered from early tire errors~~ all 11 constructors and ~~an engine system reset~~ power unit manufacturers to ~~finish third. Conversely,~~ enhance software testing and verification processes. In championship news, Mercedes driver George Russell ~~retired from third place due to~~ will face a ~~mechanical engine failure, disrupting Mercedes’ strategic engine rotation plan. The team is now working to introduce an upgraded engine for Russell, potentially as early as~~ grid penalty at the Singapore Grand ~~Prix, to avoid further grid penalties. Drivers heavily criticized~~ Prix. Following the ~~technical confusion. Verstappen described~~ power unit failure experienced in Malaysia, the ~~event as a “LEGO-race,” while Hamilton called~~ required engine replacement will force him to start from the ~~lack~~ back of ~~speed “insane.” Beyond~~ the ~~track, the event faced logistical scrutiny regarding heavy traffic and insufficient shuttle services at Sepang. The FIA has since concluded its investigation, attributing the chaos to~~ grid, presenting a ~~software error involving the 250 kW power limit mandated for wet weather.~~ significant setback in his title battle against teammate Kimi Antonelli.

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