Austin, October 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has criticised the severe bumps at the Circuit of the Americas, calling them “unacceptable” and warning that the uneven surface could pose a growing physical challenge for drivers ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
Speaking to the media ahead of the race weekend, the Red Bull driver praised Austin’s circuit layout and the city but said repeated attempts to address the problem had failed to resolve the underlying issue.
“I love this track, I love this place. It’s one of the best layouts ever, and it’s one of the best venues, best city to be at,” Verstappen said. “But for me the bumps are unacceptable.”
He argued that temporary fixes were insufficient and said a more comprehensive track reconstruction was needed, despite the cost and time involved.
The Circuit of the Americas was built on former marshland, making surface maintenance challenging. However, Verstappen said the ground conditions should not be used as an excuse, arguing that the track should have been reinforced appropriately.
The Dutch driver also raised concerns about the physical impact of the bumps. Recalling last year’s race, he said that while drivers experienced lateral forces of around five to six G in corners, some vertical impacts exceeded nine G on his spine.
Verstappen said the issue becomes more concerning as drivers grow older and pointed to the cumulative strain from racing over recent seasons.
He also warned that this season’s cars could make the problem worse because they run lower to the ground. Reduced ride height under braking and the unpredictable nature of the surface could increase the likelihood of cars bottoming out heavily, he said.
Verstappen acknowledged that physical demands are part of motorsport but cautioned that continuing to accept the current conditions could expose drivers to further strain and injury risks.
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