Totally unacceptable:' F1 drivers slam delayed start to Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia

F1 drivers reacted with anger to a delayed and disrupted Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after an attempted start under wet conditions turned into a software-driven power loss for multiple cars. Heavy rain delayed the race by 40 minutes before the first attempt behind the safety car; however, a bug in FIA-supplied software for all teams caused several drivers to lose power and fall down the order. Max Verstappen, set to start on pole, was affected first, followed by Lewis Hamilton, who halted and needed to restart his Ferrari power unit on the pit straight. The FIA later cited a mix of low engine speed, low-grip conditions, wet-energy management settings and Sepang’s sector configuration. Drivers including Lando Norris called the situation “totally unacceptable,” with Lance Stroll and Sergio Pérez also criticizing the electronic side and complicated regulations. Verstappen went on to win after the chaos, with Hamilton finishing third.