Verstappen points to power-unit complexity after Bahrain GP formation-lap chaos

Max Verstappen was first to encounter trouble on the formation lap for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia when his car suddenly stopped accelerating. He was able to continue, but Lewis Hamilton then stopped and both Haas drivers and both Audi drivers appeared unable to move. The start was aborted, and the already-delayed race began almost an hour later.

Verstappen went on to win. At the post-race press conference, he pointed to the complexity of the engines and the amount of software they contain. “I caused it first,” he said, recalling that he looked in his mirror and wondered whether the others were waiting for him or what was happening.

The disruption involved a software problem combined with the turbo and battery operation of the new power unit. Verstappen called it “not what you want for the sport” and said a lesson had been learned.