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Verstappen warns COTA bumps are out of control

Max Verstappen says the Circuit of the Americas surface is unacceptable ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

By , Sports news desk

· 2 min read

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen (file photo) Photo: Steffen Prößdorf / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Max Verstappen has criticised the bumps at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, saying attempts to fix them have failed.

Key takeaways

  • Max Verstappen called the COTA bumps unacceptable and out of control
  • He reported vertical loads over 9G on his spine last year
  • He said organisers have only put a plaster on the problem
  • He warned current cars bottom out harder under braking
  • The United States Grand Prix takes place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas

Max Verstappen has warned that the bumps on the Circuit of the Americas in Austin are out of control ahead of this weekend's United States Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver said the track condition is unacceptable and that repeated attempts by organisers to fix the surface have not worked.

What we know

Verstappen said he loves the circuit and considers it one of the best layouts ever, but he described the bumps as unacceptable. He explained that organisers have been grinding small areas over time, which he compared to putting a plaster on a big problem. He added that fully opening the track would cost a lot of money and time, but that is the only way to remove the bumps. The Dutchman rejected the idea that the track's former marshland location excuses the condition, saying organisers should have reinforced the soil if they knew it was an issue. Verstappen said he experienced vertical loads over 9G on his spine last year, which he called really not fun. He noted that current cars run lower in corners because of how drag-reduction mode works, meaning they bottom out harder under braking, especially on awkward bumps that are difficult to anticipate.

What happens next

The United States Grand Prix will take place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Verstappen's comments come before the race weekend, and he has made clear that the surface remains a serious concern for drivers. It is not clear from the available reporting whether the track will be repaired before the event.

I love this track, I love this place.

— Max Verstappen

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