SEPANG — Formula One’s lawmakers have vowed to launch a full investigation into the rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix, which Lewis Hamilton likened to a “Lego race” after multiple cars broke down with software problems, reported PA Media/dpa.

Max Verstappen navigated his way through the chaos to claim his first triumph of the year.

Kimi Antonelli took second, with Lewis Hamilton completing a fine comeback drive from 18th to finish on the podium.

George Russell retired from third with an engine issue, leaving his world championship dream all but over.

However, the race at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia was overshadowed by embarrassing and unprecedented scenes when this season’s new cars — which have already faced stern criticism — effectively failed to work in the wet.

The initial getaway had already been pushed back by 40 minutes following a deluge of rain.

F1 bosses then had to abandon the start when a number of drivers, including Verstappen and Hamilton, were struck by gremlins on the formation lap, with problems linked to the controversial 50-50 split between combustion and battery power leaving them unable to get their cars to operate.

Pole-sitter Verstappen was the first to complain that he could not accelerate. His crawling pace had a knock-on effect, with Hamilton, running behind Verstappen, then hitting trouble in his Ferrari.

“I am pressing the throttle, and nothing is happening,” said Hamilton before stopping at the side of the track.

A whole host of other drivers were also struggling to keep their engines running in the first meaningful wet running for this generation of car.

Verstappen, who has threatened to quit the sport because of his disdain of the new regulations, was eventually able to get up to speed.

He laughed and shook his head upon seeing some of the cars parked at the side of the track.

“Look at this,” he said over the radio.