GPBeat reports that, after the race, FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis linked the power failures during the formation laps at Sepang to a software bug triggered at very low speeds.
Recent news with a spread of topics.
George Russell wants FIA help with cooling vests after saying Mercedes will not use one at the race weekend in Malaysia because its system is not reliable enough.
McLaren’s Andrea Stella estimates that Norris’s straight-line deficit could cost more than a tenth of a second per lap, but says its cause remains unclear.
Red Bull returned an unused hard-tyre set after practice, leaving Max Verstappen with one fresh set for the race at Sepang.
McLaren’s Andrea Stella has praised Leonardo Fornaroli’s work as a reserve driver, as an Autosport feature examines what the role can offer drivers seeking an F1 seat.
Verstappen topped every qualifying segment and says he is confident in his choices for the race, while Hamilton expects overtaking to be difficult.
Oliver Bearman says an unintended Haas setup in Friday practice cost him valuable preparation before qualifying 18th at Sepang.
The Mercedes driver says even a stronger final lap might only have lifted him to second or third after a disrupted qualifying session.
George Russell says Mercedes cannot yet assess its W17 upgrade after a difficult qualifying session, despite wind-tunnel figures meeting expectations.