Already running late because of the rain, the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was pushed back further due to several cars crawling and stalling their way through the formation lap before the race had even started. The Sepang race was delayed by more than 90 minutes, leaving Formula fans watching an empty circuit as the FIA scrambled to send a software fix. Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord believes this is an example of why F1 should seek simplification, calling the cars "fiendishly complex".
The power units introduced under the 2026 regulations have come under much fire from fans and drivers who quickly took a dislike to how power is managed between the internal combustion engine and the MGU-K. But the Malaysian race weekend tipped fans over the edge as some of their favourite drivers limped around the circuit before the race had even begun.
