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Verstappen Criticises Severe Bumps at United States GP Track

Max Verstappen has sharply criticised the bumpy circuit surface at Austin's Circuit of The Americas ahead of the United States Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver warned that the uneven conditions have escalated out of control and pose genuine physical risks to competitors. He revealed that recent medical examinations showed damage to the lower portion of his spine, which has been exacerbated by the stiff suspensions of modern cars. Verstappen argued that minor resurfacing and grinding efforts have served only as temporary fixes rather than solving deep structural issues. While acknowledging his fondness for the Texas circuit's layout, he insisted that organisers must undertake a comprehensive reconstruction of the track base to eliminate the severe bumps permanently. Red Bull enters the race weekend seeking to maintain momentum following back-to-back victories. Other drivers joined the conversation regarding the physical toll exacted by rough circuits. Lando Norris admitted he takes pain medication for headaches before driving on harsh tracks due to his helmet striking the headrest. Norris added that COTA would fail current construction tolerances if evaluated as a newly designed venue. Meanwhile, George Russell pointed out that extremely low ride heights and low-profile tyres amplify every bump across the season.

· Sky Sports

The essential points

  1. 01Max Verstappen labelled the Circuit of The Americas track surface unacceptable, citing medical checks that revealed wear on his lower spine.
  2. 02The Dutch driver urged Austin organisers to dig up and rebuild the underlying track foundation instead of applying temporary asphalt grinding.
  3. 03Lando Norris revealed he takes headache medicine before sessions because violent car bouncing causes his head to repeatedly strike the headrest.
  4. 04George Russell highlighted that low modern vehicle ride heights and stiffer tyre sidewalls significantly increase the physical impact of rough surfaces.
The full brief

Max Verstappen has sharply criticised the bumpy circuit surface at Austin's Circuit of The Americas ahead of the United States Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver warned that the uneven conditions have escalated out of control and pose genuine physical risks to competitors. He revealed that recent medical examinations showed damage to the lower portion of his spine, which has been exacerbated by the stiff suspensions of modern cars.

Verstappen argued that minor resurfacing and grinding efforts have served only as temporary fixes rather than solving deep structural issues. While acknowledging his fondness for the Texas circuit's layout, he insisted that organisers must undertake a comprehensive reconstruction of the track base to eliminate the severe bumps permanently. Red Bull enters the race weekend seeking to maintain momentum following back-to-back victories.

Other drivers joined the conversation regarding the physical toll exacted by rough circuits. Lando Norris admitted he takes pain medication for headaches before driving on harsh tracks due to his helmet striking the headrest. Norris added that COTA would fail current construction tolerances if evaluated as a newly designed venue. Meanwhile, George Russell pointed out that extremely low ride heights and low-profile tyres amplify every bump across the season.