Archive · 8 Oct 2026
FIA Keeps Software Fixes After Grand Prix Bug Investigation
A software problem made some race cars lose power while they were moving slowly.
This happened during the start procedure after heavy rain delayed the race.
The FIA said the problem was found within five minutes.
It sent teams revised software settings, and the cars were made ready to start later.
For Singapore, the FIA plans to use the settings that were established at Sepang if similar weather is expected.
The FIA said teams had tested the software in simulations and during practice sessions.
It also plans another wet-weather software update for the United States Grand Prix.
The FIA says it will work with teams and engine makers to improve testing.
The FIA concluded its investigation into a software bug that delayed the race start after cars lost power at low engine speeds.
The issue occurred in circuit sections where a 250kW power reduction had been applied.
The FIA said it identified the cause within five minutes and issued revised software configurations.
The configuration used at Sepang will be reinstated for the Singapore Grand Prix if similar weather conditions are expected.
The FIA said teams had simulated the software before deployment and that a further wet-weather update is planned for the United States Grand Prix on October 25.
- Who
- The FIA, Formula One teams and power unit manufacturers.
- What
- The FIA concluded its investigation into a software bug that caused some cars to lose power during a Grand Prix start procedure.
- When
- The issue occurred at the event described as the Bahrain Grand Prix; the FIA said the configuration would be used for the Singapore Grand Prix that weekend and a further update was planned for October 25.
- Where
- The article refers to Sepang in Malaysia, although it describes the event as the Bahrain Grand Prix.
- Why
- Cars experienced an unintended loss of power at low engine speeds in circuit sections where a 250kW power reduction was applied.
Questions about testing
FIA response
Whether the software was tested before use
Questions about testing
Comments cited by the FIA suggested that the software had not been tested before deployment.
FIA response
The FIA said teams and power unit manufacturers conducted simulations before implementation, followed by full-scale running during practice sessions at the Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix.
- Reported issue
- Some cars lost power at low engine speeds during the start procedure.
- Power reduction
- 250kW in the affected circuit sections.
- Cause identified
- Within five minutes of the start procedure being suspended, according to the FIA.
- Singapore plan
- Reinstate the Sepang configuration if similar weather conditions are expected.
- Planned update
- A further wet-weather software update was scheduled for the United States Grand Prix on October 25.
- FIA testing account
- Teams and power unit manufacturers ran simulations, and the software was tested in full-scale running during practice at the Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix.