Lewis Hamilton explains 'Lego race' replay farce before 'big panic' set in

Lewis Hamilton has described the initial formation lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as akin to "the Lego race" before "big panic" set in as he lost all power to his Ferrari.

Following a thunderstorm and torrential downpour at the Sepang International Circuit that sparked a 40-minute delay, the drivers finally set off behind the safety car, only to encounter almost immediate issues.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has confirmed that "a bug" caused software problems, compounded by the fact the cars were running at slow speeds given the conditions.

At the head of the field after clinching pole position, Max Verstappen almost stopped on track. That sparked a concertina effect through the field, forcing others to drive slowly as the bug prevented the power from being redeployed.

Eventually, Hamilton, who was due to start second, ground to a halt on the start-finish straight. Another lengthy delay followed as the FIA was forced to update the software.

Verstappen and Hamilton, who went on to finish first and third at the chequered flag that fell three hours and 20 minutes after the race was initially due to start, were able to look back and laugh at what unfolded.

Asked about the complicated nature of the engines, and for F1 to end up in the situation it did, Verstappen said: "That's the problem that we have.

"These engines are so complicated, and a lot of software is implemented, and when there is something like this, that's the problem.

"I triggered it first, and then I looked in my mirror; I just saw...and I was like, 'Wait. Are they waiting for me? What's going on?"

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Antonelli - 'It was insane'

Hamilton quickly chipped in, stating: "It was like the Lego race! We had the same speed!"

That was a reference to the drivers racing in Lego F1 cars ahead of the 2025 Miami GP and in Lego go-karts prior to this year's British GP.

Mercedes driver and championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who finished second, added: "It was insane. At some point, we were five wide in the straight because we couldn't understand what was going on."

Verstappen then took up the story. "Then we did a lap, and then I saw eight other cars crawling still, and I saw you [turning to Hamilton] by yourself crawling."

Hamilton added: "Well, I had to stop on track, stop the engine and restart it. I've never done that before."

Verstappen then concluded: "What can you say? I mean, that's not what you want for the sport? Hopefully, there is a lesson learned."