Verstappen calls Austin track bumps ‘unacceptable’ and out of control ahead of United States Grand Prix

Verstappen calls for major work

Verstappen said he loves the Austin circuit’s layout and venue, but believes the bumps require a substantial fix. He said fully opening up the track would take significant money and time, but was the only way to remove the problem.

The circuit sits on former marshland, making it difficult for organisers to maintain its condition. Verstappen said that should not prevent efforts to solve the issue.

Impacts affect drivers

Verstappen recalled that last year he experienced vertical impacts exceeding 9G on his spine, compared with around 5-6G in a corner. He said the physical effects become more concerning with age.

He explained that cars drop toward the ground when braking after running with open wings on straights and closed wings in corners. He also said uneven movement in the surface can make the bumps difficult to anticipate, especially when a driver is slightly off line.

Drivers differ on the surface

World champion Lando Norris backed Verstappen, saying the track was nowhere close to the small tolerances required under current regulations for building a new circuit. Mercedes driver George Russell described the surface as bumpy but said that was part of racing. He argued that F1 tracks should generally be repaved every couple of years, noting that deteriorating tarmac can create further problems.