Lewis Hamilton likens F1 power units to "LEGO" following the glitch at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have voiced their discontent with Formula 1's engine regulations after a tumultuous rain-affected Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, likening the championship's intricate power units to "LEGO" due to software malfunctions that resulted in significant power loss.
Despite Red Bull driver Verstappen achieving his 72nd career grand prix victory and marking the inaugural win for Red Bull’s in-house powertrain initiative, both he and Hamilton expressed their annoyance over an unusual glitch that occurred when rain began to fall on the track prior to the race.
Several drivers, including Verstappen and Hamilton, faced serious difficulties during the formation lap.
"That’s the problem we face," Verstappen remarked in the post-race presser when asked about the engine issues under wet conditions. "These engines are incredibly complex, and a lot of software is involved."
"I was the first to trigger it, and then I looked in my mirror and I just saw... I was like, 'Wait, are they waiting for me or what’s happening?'"
Hamilton commented, "It felt like the LEGO race," to which Verstappen added: "What can you say? That’s not what you want for the sport. I hope there's a lesson learned."
Verstappen clarified that the problem originated from the engine software.
"When you drop too low in speed and RPM for any reason, it just bogs down. Normally, it takes one or two seconds for it to come back," he explained.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
"That’s pretty much what happened to me at the start. But somehow it didn’t trigger in the first software cycle, and then in the second software cycle, it was a bit better, fortunately.
"Otherwise, I would’ve also been stuck at the start, which happened to me a few times earlier this season when I had a poor start, but it meant I was out of contention. So at least this time it was a bit improved."
The FIA issued a statement detailing the events of the formation lap.
"On the formation lap preceding the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, an unprecedented combination of low engine speed, low-grip conditions, wet-weather energy management systems, and the Sepang circuit's sector layout resulted in an unintended power loss for several cars," the FIA stated.
"Consequently, the FIA technical department lifted the energy limit constraint in the affected sectors via an updated software release distributed to all competitors during the rain delay, allowing teams to adjust the power unit prior to the race's commencement.
"This issue had not been identified by the FIA or the teams during testing or during the laps to the grid. The FIA, along with the teams and power unit manufacturers, will conduct a thorough investigation of the issue."
Edit: Due to an error in the FIA transcription, the LEGO quote was initially attributed to Max Verstappen. It has since been corrected and credited to Lewis Hamilton.
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