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Verstappen and Norris sound alarm over severe COTA track bumps
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris warn that severe bumps at the Circuit of the Americas are causing physical pain and damage.
By Nadia van Leeuwen - 2026-10-23T15:30:00.000Z - 3 min read
Formula 1 drivers have raised serious safety and health concerns regarding the surface condition of the Circuit of the Americas ahead of the United States Grand Prix. Max Verstappen branded the circuit's persistent bumps as entirely out of control, revealing that physical strain from previous events has negatively impacted his spine. The reigning world champion argued that dismissing the deteriorating asphalt as an inevitable consequence of building on former marshland is no longer acceptable.
Detailing the physical toll, Verstappen explained that vertical loads exceeding 9G have been recorded on his spine in certain corners during recent visits to Austin. He noted that the severity of the problem is set to increase under current regulations, which force cars to run even lower to the ground during heavy braking phases. The combination of closing aerodynamic wings and uneven subsoil movement creates violent bottoming out that drivers must absorb lap after lap.
Medical scans have already shown visible wear on the lower regions of the Red Bull driver's spine. While acknowledging that physical hardship can be part of motorsport, Verstappen stressed that accepting such extreme impacts sets a dangerous precedent for future generations. He maintained that circuit organisers should have reinforced the foundations more thoroughly if unstable soil conditions were anticipated during construction.
McLaren rival Lando Norris firmly supported Verstappen's assessment of the track conditions. Norris revealed that the relentless shaking is so severe that he routinely takes headache medication before getting into the car to cope with his head repeatedly striking the headrest. According to the championship contender, the circuit's current profile falls far outside the strict tolerances required for modern racing facilities.
Despite repeated complaints raised by the drivers in official briefings, participants remain sceptical about whether meaningful changes will be implemented. Norris noted that although drivers frequently voice their frustrations to the governing body and circuit management, their ability to force structural resurfacing projects remains limited. Past efforts to patch the notoriously uneven asphalt have failed to provide a long-term solution to the shifting subsoil.
Not all competitors shared the same level of alarm regarding the Austin venue. Mercedes driver George Russell adopted a more relaxed stance on the situation, suggesting that the roughness is simply an inherent aspect of top-tier racing. Russell proposed that Formula 1 venues generally require complete repaving every few years to prevent tarmac deterioration and surface breakup, viewing the issue as an operational nuisance rather than an immediate crisis.
The ongoing debate highlights the persistent tension between modern Formula 1 machinery and ageing circuit infrastructure. As cars continue to extract unprecedented performance through lower ride heights and advanced aerodynamic configurations, tracks built on unstable ground face unprecedented mechanical stress. Whether the vocal warnings from the grid will prompt circuit officials to undertake a comprehensive resurfacing remains uncertain as track action gets underway.