Max Verstappen has condemned the extreme bumps at Circuit of the Americas as "unacceptable" and "out of control", warning they pose serious safety risks and physical strain on drivers. The track, built on Texas' high-plasticity clay, suffers from severe shrink-swell effects. Despite resurfacing efforts in 2022 and 2023, including work between Turns 9-11 and 12-19, Verstappen insists conditions remain dangerous.
He revealed taking daily painkillers in Austin, echoing Lando Norris's need for headache tablets. The Dutch star highlighted particularly hazardous zones: the massive bump under braking for Turn 1, a dangerous crest at Turn 19, and a rough section between Turns 4-5. He warned that the high-speed Esses section could lead to loss of control with catastrophic consequences.
COTA chairman Bobby Epstein countered that the track was in "really good shape", claiming many bumps Verstappen cited were already fixed. Verstappen dismissed this, jokingly inviting Epstein to drive his car: "I think he'd have to get out after five laps and wouldn't be able to walk anymore." The four-time world champion advocates for far-reaching measures, including laying a new asphalt layer, to protect drivers from spinal damage.
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing