League: F1 Sport: Motorsports Country: Global Category: Standings

F1 drivers express frustration over Bahrain GP software glitch

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 4, 2026, 2:22 PM

Last updated Oct 4, 2026

F1 drivers express frustration over Bahrain GP software glitch

Summary

Formula 1 drivers voiced strong discontent following a significant software issue during the Bahrain GP on October 4, 2026. The glitch caused multiple cars to become unresponsive during the formation laps, leading to a 50-minute delay before the race could start. Lando Norris labeled the situation 'horrible', advocating for a reassessment of hybrid technology in F1. Other drivers echoed similar sentiments, describing the incident as unprecedented and unacceptable for the sport. Several cars were impacted by the computer malfunction as they attempted to navigate wet track conditions, forcing the FIA to implement a quick software fix during a red flag period.

Source Links

ESPN F1 Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Formation laps at Bahrain GP were delayed by software issues on October 4.
•Drivers like Lando Norris and Sergio Perez criticized the reliability of hybrid systems.
•The FIA took 50 minutes to resolve the issue before the race could commence.
•This race marked the first wet-weather event for the 2026 car generation.
•Drivers expressed concerns about technology's overreach impacting racing experience.

Latest Updates

3:00 PMESPN F1 — 'Totally unacceptable:' F1 drivers slam farcical Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
1:35 PMYahoo Sports — "Horrible, totally unacceptable" - Powerless F1 drivers frustrated by Bahrain F1 software glitch

What they're saying

"
"Horrible", "sad", and "totally unacceptable" were among the reactions of Formula 1's drivers to the sport's farcical attempt at going racing in wet conditions at Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
— ESPN F1by Laurence Edmondson