Malaysia Bahrain GP disruption prompts calls for F1 simplification

The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at Sepang was heavily disrupted by technical problems. At a wet Sepang circuit, the start was aborted after a software bug affected multiple cars on the formation laps, leaving some coasting with no throttle input and others crawling or stopping. The delay lasted more than 90 minutes while the FIA worked on a software fix.

Several drivers reported losing power during the formation lap, including Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. The incident drew criticism across the paddock, with Carlos Sainz saying F1 needs to have a hard look at itself, Andrea Stella saying the FIA should avoid a repeat even if occasional glitches can happen under the current regulations, and Mercedes calling for simplification amid what it described as highly complex cars.

George Russell was also critical after a race in which he had been in contention for a podium before a late power unit failure on lap 50 ended his challenge. He described the situation as "not very F1", while wider scrutiny followed over how the championship's technical systems contributed to the chaos.