Suspended start from chaos on formation lap after 40-minute rain delay: Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia yet to get going
Known for its mercurial weather conditions, traditions have been upheld at the Sepang International Circuit as sheets of rain have delayed proceedings for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
As of this writing, the FIA has stated: "Rain intensity has been steady for the last 10 mins and no improvement is forecasted for the next 5/10 mins.
"[The] Medical Car is going on track shortly to report on track conditions."
After the Medical Car's initial reconnaissance laps, the FIA shared: "[The] Medical Car is reporting a significant amount of standing water around the track. Current conditions are not suitable to start the race."
The Grand Prix, which has Max Verstappen starting on pole for the first time this season and Lewis Hamilton joining him on the front row for the first time since 2021, was scheduled to start at 15:00 local time (8:00 BST).
During the pre-race procedures, a light drizzle appeared which quickly escalated into a heavy storm closer to the race start, forcing the FIA to mandate a delayed start.
Speaking to media about the conditions, George Russell set to start from seventh shared: "It is going to throw a few things up in the air, it is still hot so as soon as the rain stops, it should dry pretty quick."
As for conditions later in the afternoon, the FIA's weather forecast states: "A stationary moderate rain shower will likely persist over the circuit for another 5-10 minutes before gradually dissipating. Level 2+ rainfall may persist through to 1505-1510 Sun.
"Level 1 rain is most likely from 1510-1520 Sun. Level 0-1 rain/drizzle is most likely after 1520 Sun until the shower dissipates. Prolonged dry conditions are expected after this shower clears."
30 minutes into the delayed start, the FIA issued a start time for 15:40 local time (8:40 BST), as the rains started to lighten up. Standing water began to be cleared up by marshalls, particularly at Turn 7.
Once the formation lap behind the Safety Car finally started at the planned time, chaos descended upon the track as Verstappen and Hamilton started to face issues, the Ferrari driver hindered by a software issue. The same problem occurred across the grid, with a number of drivers moving slow or outright stopping on the track, including Hamilton.
Though Hamilton was able to get going again, Race Control opted to suspend the start procedure with so many drivers out of position and some a lap down.
Updates to follow
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