FIA Files Review and Steps After Bahrain GP Wet Running Debacle

The FIA has announced key findings from a review conducted after happenings at the F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia, as it implements changes.

It was a shambolic situation at the F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia when cars slowed behind the safety car, causing the race to be suspended. The teams waited for about 20 minutes to download and upload an update to resolve the issue.

After further analysis, the FIA has explained what transpired in Malaysia that caused so many cars to come to a halt. It found that some of the cars saw power loss beyond the original intent when running at low engine RPM that could be recovered.

As such, the FIA will continue using the update it brought in Malaysia, in Singapore, in similar wet conditions. It will bring a larger update on the wet weather specification in the US GP. The governing body stresses robust testing but dismisses any notion of a lack of testing.

It states that it had tested the software package in FP1 of the Dutch GP after simulation exercises. There is a continuous process for its enhancement and bringing updates to help limit any problems that may arise due to the software in the future.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – OCTOBER 04: Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy driving the (12) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W17 passes Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (3) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB22 Red Bull Ford Powertrains for the lead at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain in Malaysia at Sepang Circuit on October 04, 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202610040299 // Usage for editorial use only //

The review concluded that some cars running on low engine RPM in certain circuit sectors where a 250kW power reduction was applied experienced a loss of power beyond the original intent and that could not be recovered in those sectors. As a result, the configuration established for the Sepang event will be reinstated for the Singapore Grand Prix should similar weather conditions be expected. Additionally, a further update to the wet weather software will be released for the United States Grand Prix on October 25.

The review also recommended that measures be implemented for testing of the software, recognizing that opportunities for testing are limited, to make it as robust as possible. The FIA, together with the teams and Power Unit Manufacturers (PUMs), will continue to strengthen Power Unit software testing and verification capabilities, enhancing the overall validation process through independent assessment and collaborative feedback, including input from the supplier of the standardized Electronics Control Unit (ECU).

The FIA would like to address comments suggesting that the software had not been tested prior to its deployment. Before implementation, teams and Power Unit Manufacturers conducted simulation exercises to validate the software package, which was subsequently tested in full-scale running during Free Practice 1 sessions at both the Belgian Grand Prix and the Dutch Grand Prix.