Source: Official Team Post via X
Max Verstappen Jokes About Needing a 'New Spine' for Bumpy COTA Track
Max Verstappen humorously remarked on the bumpy nature of the Circuit of The Americas, suggesting he might need a 'new spine' after racing there. Despite concerns, Verstappen remains optimistic about his recent performance as he heads into the United States Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen, the ace driver for Red Bull, brought a touch of humor to the table as he discussed the notoriously bumpy Circuit of The Americas, playfully suggesting that the track might leave him in need of 'a new spine' after the United States Grand Prix. Heading to Austin, Verstappen is riding high on a wave of strong performances, having secured five consecutive podium finishes, including wins in both Bahrain and Singapore.
Despite this impressive run, Verstappen is approaching the upcoming race with caution. The 5.5 km Circuit of The Americas is infamous for its uneven surface, which poses a challenge for maintaining stability, particularly in high-speed sections. Organizers have made efforts to smooth out some areas, notably from Turn 9 to Turn 11, and the approaches to Turns 12 and 19. However, Verstappen remains wary, having observed the track conditions during a World Endurance Championship event.
When asked about Red Bull's RB22’s competitiveness across all circuits, Verstappen was measured in his response. "It's very difficult to say," he noted, emphasizing his reluctance to predict a victory in Austin. He added that the previous few weekends had been favorable, but each track presents its unique challenges. "From what I saw in WEC, the track is incredibly bumpy. I'll probably need to order a new spine, I think, after the weekend," he quipped, likening himself to a 'Robocop' in jest.
Currently, Verstappen sits fourth in the Drivers' Championship, trailing Lewis Hamilton by a mere eight points and George Russell by 17. With only 150 points left in the season, overtaking Kimi Antonelli, who is up by 119 points, seems a tall order, shifting Verstappen's focus from title contention to simply enjoying the races.
Reflecting on the season, Verstappen acknowledged the improvements in the car's performance since Baku, highlighting a better balance and front-running competitiveness. "It's just a lot nicer," he shared, contrasting it with the early part of the season when the car was challenging to drive. With the championship out of reach, Verstappen's goal is to savor the remaining races, aiming for more podium finishes and perhaps a few more wins.
As Verstappen gears up for the United States Grand Prix, the bumps at COTA are yet another curveball in a season filled with ups and downs, but his focus remains on enjoying the ride — literal roadblocks and all.