Max Verstappen has taken a humorous swipe at Formula 1’s recent software problems, joking that he has installed antivirus software in his Red Bull ahead of the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix. With rain forecast for the Interlagos weekend, the four-time world champion was asked whether the sport’s new-generation cars could experience a repeat of the technical problems that disrupted the Malaysian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman’s response brought a light-hearted moment to the drivers’ press conference in São Paulo, although the subject itself remains a serious concern. Formula 1’s return to potentially wet conditions comes after the race in Kuala Lumpur was interrupted immediately following the formation lap because of a software bug that prevented the power units from delivering power.
Max Verstappen jokes about F1 antivirus software ahead of Brazilian GP
After a short break, Formula 1 has returned to action for the third and final round of its American triple-header. The championship previously visited Austin, Texas, before travelling to Mexico City last weekend, where Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula 1 world championship.
Attention now turns to Brazil, where the weather could play an important role throughout the Grand Prix weekend. Rain is expected over the coming days, bringing renewed attention to the reliability of Formula 1’s 2026 cars in wet conditions.
During the drivers’ press conference in São Paulo, Max Verstappen appeared alongside Fernando Alonso and Arvid Lindblad. The discussion took an entertaining turn when Globo TV journalist Bruna Rodrigues asked the three drivers about the anticipated weather conditions and whether they were concerned about potential technical problems.
The question followed the difficulties experienced at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur. That race had already been delayed because of heavy rainfall before being stopped immediately after the formation lap, when a software bug prevented the cars’ power units from delivering power.
Asked whether he feared further problems with the 2026 Formula 1 cars if the track became wet in Brazil, Max Verstappen immediately offered a sarcastic response.
“I’ve installed an antivirus on my car, so I’ll be fine,” the Red Bull driver joked.
His remark was a pointed reference to the software failure in Malaysia, using humour to address the possibility of another disruption if the Brazilian Grand Prix encounters similar weather conditions.
Fernando Alonso raises concerns about Interlagos uphill section
Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 world champion, was the next driver to respond. The Spaniard acknowledged the potential difficulties of another technical failure, particularly given the layout of the Interlagos circuit.
“Let’s hope not, because there’s quite a steep uphill section after the final corner. So if we had any problems, we’d end up a long way from the circuit. But I think the problems were identified after Malaysia, so I hope everything has been resolved,” Fernando Alonso explained.
The Aston Martin driver’s comments reflected the concern surrounding the possibility of cars experiencing power-related issues in difficult conditions, especially on a circuit with a pronounced uphill section after the final corner.
Unlike Max Verstappen’s playful response, Fernando Alonso focused on the practical implications of another failure while expressing hope that the problems discovered in Malaysia had already been addressed.
Max Verstappen teases Arvid Lindblad over F1 software concerns
Arvid Lindblad also shared his thoughts when asked about the possibility of further technical difficulties during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. The young British driver offered a brief response, expressing hope that the issues encountered in Malaysia would not return.
“We’ll see, hopefully they’ve been resolved,” Arvid Lindblad said.
Max Verstappen then returned to the subject after noticing the young driver’s apparent concern. Continuing his earlier joke, the Red Bull driver turned directly towards Arvid Lindblad with another playful remark.
“Don’t worry, you’ll have the same software as me, with the antivirus, don’t worry.”
The exchange provided one of the more entertaining moments of the São Paulo press conference, with Max Verstappen using the possibility of another software problem to make light of an otherwise frustrating issue for Formula 1.
With rain expected at Interlagos, however, the underlying question remains relevant. Following the disruption in Malaysia, drivers will be hoping that the problems affecting the 2026 power units have been resolved before the championship faces another potentially challenging wet-weather weekend.
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