2026 Bahrain GP Malaysia glitch: what was reported

BBC Sport and Autosport reported software issues and long delays before the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at Sepang, with several cars affected.

BBC Sport and Autosport reported that the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at Sepang was hit by software-related problems after heavy rain delayed the start. Both outlets said several cars lost power on formation laps behind the safety car, and Autosport reported the interruption lasted about an hour and a half.

BBC Sport reported that Carlos Sainz said Formula 1 needed to take a hard look at itself after the incident, while the same outlet said Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton likened the disruption to a "Lego race". Autosport later reported that the FIA said it had investigated the issue and announced measures before the Singapore Grand Prix.

Those outlets also reported that Max Verstappen won the race and George Russell retired late. Verstappen went into the event fourth in the 2026 drivers' championship on 221 points, with 242 starts, 71 wins, 51 poles and 129 podiums to his name from 2015 to 2026. Russell arrived second on 238 points.