Several drivers experienced dramatic power reductions or were forced to slow or stop during the formation lap before Sunday’s race at the Sepang International Circuit, Anadolu Agency reported.
The FIA said an “unprecedented combination” of low engine speeds, low-grip conditions, wet-weather energy-management settings and the configuration of the circuit caused a number of cars to lose power.
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The governing body said its Technical Department removed an energy-limit constraint in the affected sectors through an updated software release while the race was delayed by heavy rain. The update allowed teams to make the necessary changes to their power units before the race began.
According to the FIA, neither the governing body nor the teams detected the issue during testing or on the laps leading to the grid.
“The FIA, together with the teams and Power Unit manufacturers, will undertake a full review of the issue,” it said.
The race start was delayed by 40 minutes because of heavy rain. Among the drivers affected during the formation lap were eventual winner Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen said the incident highlighted the increasing complexity of modern Formula 1 power units and their dependence on software.
The Red Bull driver said he was the first to experience the problem and then noticed several other cars struggling behind him. He compared the unusual situation to a “Lego race,” referring to the drivers’ parade at this year’s British Grand Prix in which drivers raced life-sized Lego cars.
Hamilton agreed that the affected cars were traveling at similar speeds.
Verstappen said the situation became particularly unusual when several cars were running alongside each other on the straight because of the power limitations.
Hamilton said his Ferrari eventually slowed so much that he had to stop the car on track, switch off the engine and restart it.
“I had to stop on track and stop the car and engine and restart it. I’ve never done that before,” the seven-time world champion said.
Despite the disruption, Verstappen went on to win the race ahead of Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. Hamilton recovered from 18th place after an unsuccessful tire strategy and finished third.
