Verstappen has a trick to beat F1's software issues: 'I installed anti-virus on my car'

With the possibility of rain returning at Interlagos this weekend, the drivers were asked about the potential challenges of racing in wet conditions during Thursday's FIA press conference.

Verstappen responded with a joke, referring to the software problems that disrupted the opening stages of the wet race in Malaysia earlier this season.

"I installed antivirus on my car, so I'll be fine," the four-time world champion joked.

The comment was a reference to the chaotic scenes at Sepang, where several drivers experienced power delivery problems during the formation laps behind the Safety Car.

The issue, caused by a bug in the FIA's standardised software, prevented some cars from deploying power again after slowing down significantly. Verstappen was among the drivers affected, while Lewis Hamilton also came to a standstill.

Race control eventually suspended the starting procedure, resulting in a delay of approximately 40 minutes as the FIA worked to resolve the problem.

The governing body subsequently introduced a software update to address the issue, allowing the race to proceed. The incident highlighted the additional complications associated with the new generation of power units, particularly in wet conditions.

Verstappen was not finished with his jokes, however, as Lindblad also addressed the possibility of further complications during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

The Racing Bulls driver expressed his hope that the previous problems would be resolved and that everything would run smoothly should the rain return.

Verstappen immediately intervened with another light-hearted remark, pointing out that Lindblad's car uses the same power unit as his own Red Bull.

"You'll be on the same software, mate. So, don't worry," Verstappen joked.