FIA Keeps Sepang Software Fix for Wet Singapore GP After Formation-Lap Chaos

The FIA has confirmed that Formula One will carry over the emergency software fix deployed at Sepang if this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix is hit by rain. The governing body said Thursday that the software configuration used in Malaysia would be reinstated "should similar weather conditions be expected," with a further wet-weather update scheduled for the US Grand Prix on October 25. The decision follows a full investigation into last Sunday's bizarre scenes at Sepang, where cars crawled around two formation laps after a power unit software bug struck in low-rev sections of the circuit. The FIA found the cars suffered "a loss of power beyond the original intent" that could not be recovered — a glitch drivers were scathing about afterwards. Lewis Hamilton likened the driving to "gimmicky pre-race exhibitions," while Max Verstappen demanded the sport learn its lesson. The FIA also pledged to strengthen power unit software testing and verification through independent assessment and collaborative feedback with teams and engine makers. The move comes after a rain-aborted start to the Bahrain Grand Prix — staged in Malaysia amid the Middle East situation — exposed the same fragility. Singapore adds its own drama: the Marina Bay circuit hosts its first-ever F1 sprint race on Saturday ahead of Sunday's night race, and the FIA has declared a heat hazard with temperatures above 31°C, requiring driver cooling systems. Wet weather now, and the sport will rely on last Sunday's patch to get the grid to the start line properly.