Max Verstappen Calls Austin Track Bumps 'Unacceptable'

Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has described the track conditions at the Circuit of the Americas as "unacceptable" and "out of control," citing significant bumps that impact car performance and driver well-being.

Verstappen stated that the track, built on former marshland, has made it difficult for organizers to maintain a smooth surface. He rejected the soil conditions as an adequate excuse, arguing that organizers should have anticipated and reinforced the area more thoroughly. "You can use the excuse that the soil is the problem but then you should have known that and you need to make sure that you reinforce it more," Verstappen said.

He elaborated on the physical toll, noting that in previous years, he experienced vertical load impacts exceeding 9G on his spine in certain corners, which he described as "really not fun." Verstappen indicated that the issue is exacerbated by the current regulations, which cause cars to run lower in corners, especially under braking, leading to harder bottoming out. "You bottom out way harder, because when the wings close and the ride-height comes down, under braking is actually a very stressful moment, and I know around here in some places, it's very bumpy under braking," he explained. "Especially when it's like these kind of awkward bumps, not just bumps from the track getting older, but the surface underneath the soil just moving up and down."

Verstappen also noted that being slightly offline can lead to unexpected impacts due to the unpredictable nature of the bumps. "I can tell you from the checks that I've done from my spine, the bottom end doesn't look that great," he added. He acknowledged that challenging conditions are part of racing but expressed concern that continuing to accept such surfaces could lead to further damage.

Lando Norris, the reigning World Champion, echoed Verstappen's sentiments, suggesting the track's condition does not meet current regulatory standards for new circuits. "It's an old track, not a new track so it's pretty bad. There's a lot of places I need to take headache tablets before I go out simply because it's so bumpy and you're hitting your head pretty hard against the headrest and things because of the bumps so it's certainly not a nice thing," Norris said. He added that despite repeated complaints, there is limited recourse for drivers.

However, Mercedes driver George Russell offered a slightly different perspective, stating that while the track is bumpy, it is part of racing. He suggested that F1 tracks generally require repaving every few years to ensure consistency, as some are beginning to deteriorate. "It's bumpy, but I think it's just part of racing. I'd say my general view is F1 tracks probably need to be repaved every couple of years just to make it a bit more consistent," Russell commented. "Because we're going to tracks now where Tarmac's coming up, it's falling apart, it's causing more issues than not."