Max Verstappen criticizes circuit bumps ahead of US Grand Prix
- Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen criticized the numerous bumps at the Circuit of the Americas ahead of the United States Grand Prix, describing the track conditions as...
- Track operators completely repaved the Circuit of the Americas in 2024 and resurfaced additional sections between turns 9 and 11 and turns 12 to 19 for the current...
- We've been pointing out for years that the situation is slowly getting out of control.
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen criticized the numerous bumps at the Circuit of the Americas ahead of the United States Grand Prix, describing the track conditions as unacceptable. Motorsport.com reported that the Red Bull driver pointed to severe vertical loads reaching over 9g on his spine during previous sessions at the Austin venue.
Circuit Asphalting Fails to Stop Bumps
Track operators completely repaved the Circuit of the Americas in 2024 and resurfaced additional sections between turns 9 and 11 and turns 12 to 19 for the current year. Despite this extensive work, Verstappen noted that the circuit remains extremely rough based on observations from the World Endurance Championship event held there weeks prior. The underlying cause stems from the clay-rich soil beneath the track, which expands and contracts with weather changes and creates severe undulations under heavy braking.
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These bumps in the road are not normal. It’s really bad. We’ve been pointing out for years that the situation is slowly getting out of control.
Max Verstappen
Grinding down parts of the asphalt only acts as a temporary bandage, according to Verstappen. He argued that operators must completely tear up the track to eliminate the bumps permanently, even though that requires significant time and financial investment.
Strict FIA Tolerances and Driver Physical Strain
Mercedes driver George Russell defended the bumps as an inherent part of racing while acknowledging the unique challenges posed by modern Formula 1 car design. Russell explained that cars run with a ground clearance of just ten millimeters at the end of the straight, meaning drivers feel every minor imperfection.
Russell also pointed to the reduction of tire sidewalls with the introduction of 18-inch wheels, which removed the natural damping effect previously provided by larger tires. Meanwhile, reigning world champion Lando Norris noted that the venue falls short of current FIA Grade 1 standards, which permit a variation of only plus or minus three millimeters under a four-meter straightedge on newly constructed tracks.
Verstappen detailed the toll the rough surface takes on the body, revealing that vertical loads reached 5 to 6g in certain sections during 2025 and spiked past 9g on specific impacts. He stated that he often has to take headache medication before driving because the bumps cause his head to strike the headrest violently.
United States Grand Prix Weekend Schedule
The Formula 1 paddock prepares for the race weekend at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin amidst ongoing debate over track maintenance standards. Questions remain over whether circuit operators will commit to a full reconstruction of the sub-base layers ahead of future race calendars.