We just wrapped up the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia (Race 16) on the Hard Compound podcast, and it was a masterclass in why Formula 1 is both the most technologically advanced sport in the world and, occasionally, the most ridiculous.
First time back in Malaysia since 2017, and the drama started before the lights even went out. Here is the breakdown of a wet, weird, and wildly entertaining race week.
The Cloud Software Monsoon
You expect a monsoon delay in Malaysia. You don't expect an hour-and-a-half delay because the FIA's standardized software needs a reboot. Watching cars tiptoe around the track like your grandfather trying to find his reading glasses because Lewis Hamilton's car was stuck in an update loop was not a great look. Valid safety reasons aside, it was visually absurd.
Tire Roulette on the Grid
When the race finally got going, Max Verstappen uncharacteristically botched the start. But the real confusion was the tire strategy. With a wet track, teams somehow lined up on a mix of softs, mediums, and intermediates. Sergio Perez essentially used the formation lap to remember it was actually raining and wisely boxed for inters. Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas slid right off the track with zero grip. You have to wonder how highly paid strategists outsmarted themselves into ignoring standing water.
Three Generations on the Podium
The podium was a brilliant snapshot of F1's current era: Max Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli, and Lewis Hamilton. Three champions (or soon-to-be champions) representing three distinct generations of drivers, all spaced about ten years apart.
Speaking of Max, the Ford Red Bull power unit is officially dialed in. We noted last week that he was due for a win, and he delivered. Red Bull seems to have figured out their engine tuning, and it’s showing across the board, with Racing Bull also putting in competitive shifts.
The Mercedes Curse
Is Toto Wolff bad luck for George Russell? We aren't starting conspiracy theories, but George drove his absolute best race of the year last week when Toto wasn't in the garage. Toto returns, and boom, another DNF for George. He is now 84 points behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli. With Kimi at 320 points and looking unstoppable, George's preseason championship hopes have basically evaporated.
Apple TV Is Stifling F1
We have to talk about the broadcast. Apple backed up the Brinks truck for F1 streaming rights, but the execution has been abysmal. F1 fans are used to multi-view screens, data channels, and driver cams. Apple gives us none of that. You can't even watch the Sky feed alongside an onboard camera. Instead of investing in features race fans actually want, they're giving us driver playlists on Apple Music and 3D maps nobody asked for. It’s actively hurting the sport's growth in America.
Crazy Predictions for Next Week
Patrick predicts Valtteri Bottas is going to attempt to cycle all the way from Malaysia to Singapore—and completely fail to make it in time for the race. My prediction? The final two Middle East races will actually happen, but only because President Trump will prematurely take credit for brokering the deal to hold them, sending half the grid into a hate-watch frenzy.
