FIA To Update Power Unit Software Again After Sepang Formation Lap Fiasco

The FIA has announced further changes to its engine software following the power loss problem that disrupted the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The governing body also rejected claims that the software had not been adequately tested.

On Sunday, several Red Bull-Ford, Ferrari and Audi-powered cars slowed drastically during the formation lap. Race control abandoned the start attempt, and the FIA made software changes so that the race could go ahead. The fault came from the software that limits how much power a driver can use at different points on the lap, a feature of the new 2026 power unit regulations. According to the FIA's review, some cars running at low engine RPM in sectors where a 250 kW power reduction applied suffered a loss of power beyond the original intent, and could not recover it in those sectors.

No further changes are planned for this weekend's race in Singapore. As it is a sprint event, teams have only a single hour-long practice session. The FIA will reinstate the Sepang configuration in Singapore if similar weather is expected. A further update to the wet-weather software will be released for the United States Grand Prix on October 25.

The FIA denied that the software was deployed untested. It said teams and power unit manufacturers first carried out simulation exercises to validate it, and the package was then tested in full-scale running during first practice at both the Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix. Acknowledging that testing opportunities are limited, it said extra measures will be introduced to make the software more robust, including independent assessment and input from the supplier of the standard electronic control unit.

The FIA's timeline shows the start procedure was suspended at 15:45 after two formation laps. Within five minutes the technical team identified the cause and released updated software. At 16:03 teams received further technical guidance, and teams and manufacturers then completed integration. The 10-minute signal came at 16:22 and cars left the pit lane at 16:33. The FIA thanked all stakeholders for their fast response.