BahrainGP in Malaysia: FIA Blames 'Software Bug' for Formation-Lap Power Loss
Sepang wet-weather configuration to return in Singapore if it rains, with a further update due for Austin on 25 October
The FIA has concluded its investigation into the formation-lap chaos at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, blaming a “software bug” in the power units’ wet-weather settings and setting out how it will manage the fallout at the next two races.
The review found that cars running at low engine RPM in certain Sepang sectors, where a 250kW power reduction was applied, lost more power than intended and could not recover it before the end of those sectors. The glitch stopped more than one-third of the field during the first formation lap, and Red Bull-Ford, Ferrari and Audi-powered cars were all affected.
The FIA says the configuration used at Sepang will be reinstated for the Singapore Grand Prix if similar weather is expected, with a further wet-weather software update to follow at the United States Grand Prix on 25 October. The fix could be tested quickly, as thunderstorms are forecast for Sunday in Singapore. The island is also hosting a sprint race for the first time this weekend, which leaves little time to adjust.
The governing body also rejected suggestions that the software had never been tested. It said teams and power-unit manufacturers ran simulation exercises before deployment, and the package then ran at full scale in first practice at both the Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix. That sits awkwardly beside the FIA’s own comments on race day, when single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said the lack of wet-weather testing, with Sepang the first wet start of the season, played a part in the chaos.
Looking ahead, the review recommended tougher measures for testing the software, acknowledging that testing opportunities are limited. The FIA, the teams and the manufacturers will strengthen power-unit software testing and verification, adding independent assessment and feedback, including input from the supplier of the standard electronics control unit (ECU).
The statement came with a minute-by-minute account of how the stoppage was resolved. The FIA says its technical team identified the cause and issued revised software within five minutes of the suspension, and it thanked teams, manufacturers and its own staff for their diligence during the delay. Drivers are expected to discuss the situation with the FIA in Singapore.
Credit Photo : Ferrari
