The start of the Grand Prix in Sepang has been delayed after multiple Formula 1 power units were affected during the wet-weather formation lap, with Lewis Hamilton among the drivers whose Ferrari power unit suffered problems.
Several cars encountered issues as they prepared for the original race start in difficult wet conditions. Ferrari-powered cars were affected, alongside at least one Red Bull Powertrains unit and an Audi power unit.
According to F1 journalist Thomas Maher, teams are currently pointing towards FIA-issued software as the potential cause of the problems.
Multiple power units affected
Maher reported that all Ferrari power units, a Red Bull Powertrains unit and an Audi power unit were affected to some extent during the formation lap.
Hamilton’s Ferrari was among the cars hit by the apparent issue, creating immediate uncertainty over whether the affected cars would be able to take the restart.
The problems occurred as teams prepared for a wet-weather race start, with conditions already making the opening phase of the Grand Prix particularly challenging.
FIA software at centre of investigation as emergency ‘Fix’ issued
An update from the paddock indicates that teams have now been instructed to re-upload wet-weather software code supplied by the FIA to their power units before the new race start. Technically this is a break of the rules as the cars are under Parc fermé conditions.
That development has strengthened the suspicion that the disruption could be linked to the software rather than a conventional mechanical failure.
Mercedes appears to have avoided the problems affecting the other manufacturers, although investigations remain underway into exactly what occurred.
Race restart delayed
The FIA and teams are now working to establish that the affected power units are operating correctly before the Grand Prix can get underway.
With multiple manufacturers apparently experiencing related problems during the same formation lap, the incident has raised significant questions over the FIA’s wet-weather power-unit software and its interaction with the different engine packages.
Further updates are expected before the revised race start.
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