Verstappen Raises Alarm Over Austin’s Bumpy Circuit: “It’s Getting Out of Hand”
Max Verstappen has expressed serious concerns about the condition of the Circuit of the Americas ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver has warned that the increasingly bumpy surface places considerable physical strain on Formula 1 drivers, revealing that medical examinations have already shown worrying signs of damage to his lower spine.
Formula 1 returns to Austin this weekend following a short break, but the condition of the Circuit of the Americas remains a significant concern. Despite its popularity among drivers, the track has long been criticised for its uneven surface.
The bumps create considerable discomfort for drivers, who sit extremely low in their cars and absorb repeated impacts through their bodies. What Verstappen previously joked about has now become a serious concern.
Verstappen Warns of Increasing Physical Strain
Two weeks ago, Verstappen joked that the physical demands of racing at Austin could turn him into something resembling RoboCop. However, speaking to the media ahead of the race weekend, the Dutchman adopted a much more serious tone.
“From what I’ve seen in WEC, it’s extremely bumpy. To be honest, I’m not particularly looking forward to the strain on my spine. I joked about it during the previous race weekend, but it isn’t really a joke. We’ve been raising this issue for years.”
Verstappen believes the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, particularly when teams attempt to find suitable car setups.
“It’s gradually getting out of hand, and I’m sure Friday will be difficult when it comes to finding compromises in places where the car bounces excessively. I also don’t know how our car will react to those conditions.”
Spinal Impacts Exceeding 9G
The four-time world champion highlighted the extreme forces drivers experience when negotiating the circuit’s bumps, particularly under braking.
“Last year, for example, you were pulling five to six G in a corner. But I’ve experienced impacts of more than 9G on my spine, and I can tell you that’s not pleasant.”
“As you get older, you start thinking about these things. This isn’t what you want. With these cars, the impacts are much harder, particularly under braking. When the wings close and the ride height drops under braking, it places enormous strain on your body.”
Medical Examinations Reveal Spinal Concerns
Verstappen also revealed that medical examinations have identified problems affecting the lower sections of his spine, raising concerns about the long-term consequences of competing in modern Formula 1 machinery.
“I think people sometimes don’t understand, but the examinations I’ve had on my spine show that the lower sections aren’t looking particularly good.”
“I know it’s part of racing and can be part of the sport, but it’s also the lasting damage from the cars we’ve been driving over the past few years.”
The Red Bull driver warned that continuing to accept such conditions could lead to further physical problems over time.
“If we accept these kinds of conditions and continue like this, the problems will only get worse in the long term.”
“People can say there are sports that are much more damaging to your body. That’s also why I don’t participate in those sports. It’s not pleasant.”
