Overview
- A formation‑lap failure at Sepang in early October exposed an interaction between low engine speeds wet‑weather energy settings and power‑unit software and prompted the FIA to issue an emergency software update and open a technical review.
- Lewis Hamilton and several commentators said race control has grown too cautious and that younger drivers are more likely to push for delays rather than race in tricky wet conditions.
- Teams and suppliers are under scrutiny because modern hybrid power units and current car aerodynamics create heavier spray while Pirelli’s wet tyre is widely criticised for poor standing‑water performance.
- Mercedes ran split‑spec tests at Singapore and teams are calling for targeted changes such as revised energy‑management software, more wet testing and tyre development to improve visibility and drivability.
- Those calls build on safety shifts after Jules Bianchi’s 2014 Suzuka crash and the Spa 2021 stoppage and could prompt rule and procedure changes that aim to balance driver safety with the spectacle of wet racing.