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Max Verstappen Calls Austin Circuit Bumps Unacceptable Ahead Of United States Grand Prix
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Verstappen says Austin track bumps are unacceptable and out of control. Drivers complain despite promoters' attempts to smooth the surface.
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Verstappen calls Austin bumps unacceptable
Max Verstappen said the bumps on the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas are "unacceptable" and "out of control" ahead of the United States Grand Prix. Verstappen said drivers had complained about the condition and that attempts by the organisers to resolve it had not worked, adding, "But for me the bumps are unacceptable." Verstappen said the track is built on former marshland and rejected that as a reason not to solve the issue, telling organisers, "you should have known and you need to make sure that you reinforce it more".
Verstappen said the problem could be exacerbated because cars run lower in corners under the latest regulations, and he warned, "You bottom out way harder" under braking on the bumpy surface. Lando Norris backed Verstappen’s view, saying the track is "so bumpy" that he needs "headache tablets" before going out.
Russell wants repaving, not excuses
George Russell said the Circuit of the Americas is bumpy but framed it as part of racing, telling reporters, "It's bumpy, but I think it's just part of racing." Russell argued that F1 tracks need to be resurfaced regularly, saying, "F1 tracks probably need to be repaved every couple of years just to make it a bit more consistent."
Russell linked the complaints to what he said is happening with ageing asphalt across the calendar, and he added, "tarmac's coming up, it's falling apart, it's causing more issues than not." Motorsport.com said Russell called for track changes after Verstappen’s COTA complaints, and it quoted Russell saying, "Oh my God, I probably need to order a new spine after the weekend, or become like Robocop."
WEC test, potholes, and stakes
Verstappen said he was astonished by the track’s condition after the World Endurance Championship (WEC) test held in Texas, the 6 Hours of Austin, over the weekend of September 6. Verstappen said he was genuinely worried about the potholes, telling reporters, "From what I saw in the WEC, the potholes were enormous." Verstappen said the situation is getting "a little out of control" and argued that organisers should not use the ground as an excuse, saying, "then you should have known and ensured it was reinforced further."
Motorsport España said certain sections have been resurfaced for the 2026 race, including the stretch between turns 9 and 11, and it said repair work has been carried out to fix the potholes between turns 12 and 19. Verstappen said lifting the track completely is the only way to solve the problem, adding, "It costs a lot of money and time, but, honestly, it's the only way to solve the problem."
