Story perspectives

FIA Restarts Bahrain Grand Prix After Software Bug

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 2:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

FIA ordered a restart of the Bahrain Grand Prix after a software bug halted cars on the formation lap.
Technical director Nikolas Tombazis said low engine speed, wet grip and circuit layout triggered the bug.
FIA issued an updated software patch that teams installed in about 20 minutes.
Race control restored the original grid, placing Max Verstappen on pole and Lewis Hamilton beside him.

History

Historical Context

The 2005 United States Grand Prix collapsed when Michelin warned its tyres could not survive Turn 13, forcing fourteen cars to withdraw and leaving only six Bridgestone-shod cars to start. FIA’s refusal to alter the circuit spurred new safety rules, including mandatory pre-race software checks that now govern events such as the Bahrain Grand Prix under technical director Nikolas Tombazis.

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Story summary

FIA ordered a restart of the Bahrain Grand Prix after a software bug halted cars on the formation lap.
Technical director Nikolas Tombazis said low engine speed, wet grip and circuit layout triggered the bug.
FIA issued an updated software patch that teams installed in about 20 minutes.
Race control restored the original grid, placing Max Verstappen on pole and Lewis Hamilton beside him.

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