How computer software bugs led to F1's Malaysia farce: 'Totally unacceptable'

A heavy shower before the start in Malaysia turned Formula 1’s Sepang race weekend into a software-driven farce. After a 40-minute delay, cars lined up behind the safety car, but multiple drivers reported an accelerator response failure as they attempted two formation laps. Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hülkenberg were among those affected, along with others including Esteban Ocon, Ollie Bearman and Sergio Pérez. With cars slowing unpredictably, race control abandoned the start and returned the field to the pit lane, then restarted later when a FIA-issued software update was installed by all teams. More than 90 minutes had passed since the 3 p.m. schedule.