The FIA has explained the extraordinary software and power-management problems that affected several Formula 1 cars during the formation lap at Sepang, revealing that an emergency software update was distributed to every team before the race was restarted. The federation blamed an unprecedented combination of low engine speeds, low-grip conditions, wet-weather energy-management settings and the sector configuration of the Malaysian circuit.
The chaotic scenes unfolded before the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at Sepang, with cars repeatedly slowing, stopping and accelerating again at different points around the circuit. The unusual formation lap quickly became one of the most striking images of the weekend and immediately raised questions about what had gone wrong.
FIA explains the Sepang software chaos
The FIA subsequently issued an official statement through its social media channels in an attempt to clarify the cause of the problem.
“During the formation lap preceding the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, an unprecedented combination of low engine speed, low-grip conditions, wet-track energy-management settings and the configuration of the sectors at the Sepang circuit caused an unexpected loss of power for several cars,” the FIA said.
According to the federation, the problem involved the interaction between several different factors rather than one isolated technical failure. The conditions at Sepang therefore exposed a scenario that had not previously appeared during testing or the warm-up laps before the cars reached the starting grid.
Software update distributed to all teams before the restart
The FIA Technical Department reacted during the long delay caused by heavy rain by changing the energy restrictions in the affected parts of the circuit. A software update was then distributed to every competitor, allowing the teams to make the necessary changes to their power units before the race finally began.
“As a result, the FIA Technical Department removed the energy limit in the affected sectors through a software update distributed to all competitors during the race delay caused by the heavy rain, allowing the teams to make the necessary changes to the Power Unit before the start of the race,” the statement continued.
“This issue had not been detected by either the FIA or the teams during testing or the warm-up laps before reaching the starting grid. The FIA, together with the teams and the power-unit manufacturers, will carry out an in-depth analysis of the matter.”
Further investigation expected after unexpected power loss
The episode leaves Formula 1 with an issue that will require a more permanent solution if similar circumstances are encountered again. Although significant adjustments have already been approved concerning the balance between the thermal and electrical components of the power unit, this generation of Formula 1 engine technology is expected to remain in use until at least the end of the 2029 season.
The events at Sepang could therefore intensify the wider debate surrounding the future direction of Formula 1 power units, including discussion over whether the much-debated return of V8 engines could eventually be brought forward.
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