Hamilton Baffled as Software Glitch Turns F1 Malaysian GP Into a 'Lego Race'

Posted : 05 October 2026

Lewis Hamilton was left baffled after a software problem caused several Formula 1 cars to lose power during the formation lap before the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. Hamilton and Max Verstappen were among the affected drivers as heavy rain delayed the start by around an hour.

The issue was linked to software controlling the deployment of electrical power from the cars' hybrid power units in wet conditions. A combination of low engine speeds, limited grip and the circuit layout triggered the problem.

Verstappen and Hamilton had started on the front row but suddenly found themselves struggling to move. Verstappen compared the bizarre situation to a "Lego race", referring to the battery-powered Lego F1 cars used during a promotional event at the British Grand Prix.

Hamilton finished third after recovering from the problem. He said he had to stop his Mercedes on track, switch off the engine and restart the car because it had lost speed.

The incident also caused confusion over the starting order. Several cars were out of their original positions after the formation lap, raising the possibility that the grid would have to be rearranged before the restart.

The FIA eventually decided to restore the original starting order. Officials judged that the problem was outside the teams' control and that changing the grid would create further confusion for fans.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis confirmed that the governing body would investigate the incident. He said the software had been tested but not under the specific combination of conditions experienced at Sepang.

Mercedes driver George Russell, who later retired with an engine failure, described the situation as something that "didn't feel very F1". McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also admitted that the incident was not ideal for the sport's presentation.

The technical problems did not prevent Verstappen from producing a dominant performance. The Red Bull driver recovered from the unusual start to claim his first victory of the 2026 season and his 72nd Formula 1 win.

Kimi Antonelli finished second for Mercedes, while Hamilton completed the podium. Russell's retirement with five laps remaining further damaged his championship hopes.

Antonelli's second-place finish increased his championship advantage over Russell to 84 points. Russell admitted that his title hopes are now "exceptionally unlikely" after another reliability problem cost him valuable points.

Verstappen's victory also highlighted Red Bull's resurgence after a difficult opening phase to the season. A series of upgrades, including a new floor introduced at the previous race in Baku, have improved the car's competitiveness.

With the championship entering its final stretch, Verstappen's return to winning form could add another dimension to the battle. The FIA must now address the software issue as Formula 1 continues to manage increasingly complex hybrid power units.

Hamilton Baffled as Software Glitch Turns F1 Malaysian GP Into a 'Lego Race'

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