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Verstappen tells COTA boss to drive his car after track bumps dismissal
Max Verstappen hits back at COTA chief Bobby Epstein over bumpy track conditions, revealing he requires painkillers to cope with the physical toll.
By Hans van den Broekma - 2026-10-25T18:02:12.000Z - 3 min read
Max Verstappen has delivered a sharp retort to Circuit of the Americas boss Bobby Epstein following a public disagreement over the severe track bumps affecting this weekend's United States Grand Prix. The reigning world champion has been vocal about the rough state of the Austin layout, labelling the undulations unacceptable and out of control as drivers struggle with the physical demands.
The friction escalated after Epstein dismissed major concerns regarding the circuit surface. Speaking to ESPN, the COTA chief insisted that the venue only suffered from a single problem area at the bottom of Turn 1 that had gone unnoticed until race week. Epstein maintained that other rough sections around the track had already been successfully repaired and expressed appreciation for the driver's frankness.
When informed of those dismissive remarks following Saturday qualifying, Verstappen showed little amusement. The Red Bull driver offered a direct physical challenge to the circuit administrator to illustrate the true severity of the forces involved. He invited Epstein to pilot his Formula 1 machine around the venue to experience the violent impacts firsthand.
Verstappen asserted that the circuit boss would fail to complete more than a handful of tours before being forced to retire. He stated that the administrator would need to climb out after five laps and would find himself unable to walk properly afterward. The Dutch driver emphasised that the circuit issues extend far beyond the single trouble spot acknowledged by management.
Particular attention was drawn to a high-speed sequence situated between Turns 4 and 5, where severe bumps subject the cars and their occupants to punishing vertical loads. Verstappen rejected the argument that the local geological foundation of high-plasticity Texas clay should serve as a valid excuse for the rough racing surface. He argued that modern machinery should not be subjected to such violent impacts at high speeds.
The physical cost of navigating the circuit has proven substantial for the grid leader, who revealed that the track condition has forced him onto medication. Verstappen noted that he is currently taking painkillers to manage persistent back issues triggered directly by the violent bouncing, a measure he does not normally require during a standard race weekend.
The track conditions first came to a head during Friday evening's official drivers briefing, where competitors raised collective concerns with governing body representatives. Following the meeting, Verstappen remained in the room to hold extended discussions with officials from the FIA and circuit management regarding the state of the asphalt.
Despite the physical discomfort and the ongoing war of words with track management, Verstappen secured a strong grid position for Sunday's grand prix. He qualified in second place, lining up on the front row alongside polesitter Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who enters the event with a mathematical opportunity to secure the world championship.