Horrible, totally unacceptable" - Powerless F1 drivers frustrated by Bahrain F1 software glitch

Top Formula 1 drivers criticized power unit software glitches after a wet Sepang start derailed the Bahrain GP in Malaysia, with Lando Norris calling the electronic problems “horrible.” The race began on a rain-affected track, but was aborted after many cars suffered severe issues. Because it was the first wet-weather race for the 2026-generation cars, a bug in the software—triggered in the power unit controller’s wet mode at very low speeds—sent vehicles into an idle loop during formation laps. The FIA then rapidly produced and delivered a software patch for all 11 teams during a red-flag stoppage, and the usual wet-weather power reduction was lifted in affected zones. Drivers said the delay was unacceptable, while Max Verstappen compared the confusion to the Lego go-kart race in Silverstone.