2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: reported FIA glitch

Autosport, Motorsport.com and RaceFans reported FIA software issues delayed the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after multiple cars lost power at Sepang.

Autosport and Motorsport.com reported that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was delayed after heavy rain at Sepang and then further disrupted when several cars lost power on the formation laps. Both outlets said Max Verstappen was among the first affected, with Lewis Hamilton also stopping, while RaceFans reported that Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris were among the drivers caught up in the same problem.

According to those reports, the start procedure broke down and the race was red-flagged before officials worked on a solution. RaceFans also reported that the FIA blamed an unexpected set of circumstances, while Autosport and Motorsport.com said the governing body later explained the issue as a software-related problem.

The disruption involved several drivers near the front of the 2026 standings. Hamilton arrived in Malaysia third on 214 points, Charles Leclerc fourth on 191, and Lando Norris and Max Verstappen were tied on 188 points in fifth and sixth respectively.