Source: Official Team Post via X
Max Verstappen's Spine Concerns Amid COTA's 'Out of Control' Bumps
Max Verstappen has voiced strong concerns over the Circuit of The Americas' bumps, describing them as 'out of control' and calling for significant track repairs. The Red Bull driver revealed recent spine scans indicate the track's impact on his body is worrisome.
Max Verstappen isn't mincing words when it comes to the bumps at the Circuit of The Americas. The Red Bull driver has called them 'out of control' and 'unacceptable,' urging for extensive repairs to address the issue. He even joked about needing a 'new spine' after racing at the track, following the resurfacing efforts ahead of the 2026 United States GP.
Despite some track improvements, Verstappen remains skeptical. He argues that with the current cars, which have low ride heights during cornering, the impact on drivers is worse than before. Verstappen pointed out that most of the bumps are felt under braking or in corners, not on the straights, making the experience even harsher.
Verstappen emphasized that while the track's layout and location are top-tier, the bumps are a significant problem. 'They’ve been grinding a little bit here and there, but it’s just a plaster on a big problem,' he remarked, advocating for comprehensive track reconstruction. Such an overhaul would be costly and time-consuming, but he believes it's necessary since 'these bumps are not natural.'
On a personal note, Verstappen, at 29, is increasingly mindful of how these conditions affect his body. His recent spine scans have confirmed his concerns. Last year, he experienced vertical loads of over 9G on his spine during the race, far from ideal for any driver, especially as they age.
Verstappen highlighted that with the current cars, particularly under braking, the stress on drivers is substantial. 'When the wings close and the ride height comes down, under braking it’s actually a very stressful moment,' he explained. The unpredictable nature of the bumps complicates things further, as even a slight misalignment on the track can lead to unexpected impacts.
While he acknowledges that racing inherently involves some physical toll, Verstappen insists that the situation at COTA is beyond what should be tolerated. He recognizes there are sports with more severe physical impacts, but he chose not to participate in them for a reason.
Despite these challenges, Verstappen heads to Austin with momentum, having secured consecutive victories at the Bahrain and Singapore Grands Prix.