Hamilton compares F1 to Lego race after software glitch in Malaysia

The recent Formula One grand prix in Malaysia was thrown into chaos when a tropical downpour delayed the start of the race by nearly an hour. As the cars finally headed out on formation laps behind the safety car to test the wet track conditions, audiences worldwide witnessed the bizarre sight of numerous vehicles struggling to move forward.

The root of the issue stemmed from a software bug governing how electrical power from the hybrid engines can be deployed in wet conditions. The glitch was triggered by a specific combination of low engine speeds, poor grip, and circuit layout characteristics, affecting multiple world champions sharing the front row of the grid.

Verstappen, who went on to secure a dominant victory that marked his first win of the year, likened the sluggish effects of the software bug to a battery-powered Lego F1 car show run held prior to the British Grand Prix back in July. Nikolas Tombazis, the single-seater director for governing body the FIA, confirmed that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Tombazis explained that while the software had undergone testing, it had never been evaluated under these specific wet conditions due to a lack of running in the wet throughout the season. The governing body plans to thoroughly debrief the incident to ensure such critical software issues are avoided in future races.