Drivers Voice Concerns Over Bumpy Circuit of the Americas
The Circuit of the Americas in Austin has come under scrutiny for its bumpy surface, which some drivers say fails to meet F1 standards. Max Verstappen and Gabriel Bortoleto are among those calling for improvements to the track.
The bumpy surface of the Circuit of the Americas has become a talking point among drivers, with Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto and Red Bull's Max Verstappen expressing concerns about its impact on driver safety and comfort. Built on a clay base, the track is notoriously uneven, despite efforts to resurface certain sections.
Gabriel Bortoleto has criticized the track, suggesting that its unevenness falls short of Formula 1 standards. "It's very harsh," he remarked. "For an F1 standard, it shouldn't be like this. It's a shame." He hopes for more comprehensive resurfacing, beyond just the sections that aren't as critical during a race.
Max Verstappen shared similar sentiments, revealing that the track's bumps have taken a toll on his back. "I've had spinal scans showing some wear and tear," Verstappen said, noting that the vertical load on his spine can exceed 9G. He pointed out that the track is particularly challenging under braking due to the car's ride height changes. "It's very bumpy under braking, and these awkward bumps can be unpredictable," he added.
Charles Leclerc also chimed in, describing the surface as "very poor" and highlighting the first sector's extreme bumpiness. Meanwhile, Franco Colapinto, despite being in his 20s, mentioned that even younger drivers feel the strain. "It's very bumpy, but it's a great track to drive," he said, lamenting the physical toll it takes. He noted that new tarmac between Turns 9 and 11 has made a noticeable improvement.
Alpine boss Steve Nielsen, however, views the bumps as a characteristic of the circuit, comparing it to older tracks. "Austin is bumpy. The land moves around a lot," he explained, acknowledging the promoter's efforts to maintain the surface. "It's been bumpy in the past, and I don't suppose it'll be much different in the future."
Despite these challenges, drivers continue to praise the track's layout and high-speed corners. However, they hope for improvements to ensure their comfort and safety during races.