Verstappen calls for deeper Austin track repairs as Norris backs bump concerns

Max Verstappen has called for more extensive work on the Circuit of the Americas after criticising the physical demands of its uneven surface. Speaking in Austin on Thursday, the Red Bull driver said repeated efforts to smooth individual sections had not resolved the underlying problem, according to Autosport's reporting from the United States Grand Prix.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNycX86HLcI

Autosport reported that sections between Turns 9 and 11 had been resurfaced for this year's event, with additional repairs addressing bumps between Turns 12 and 19. The entire circuit was resurfaced in 2024. Verstappen argued that organisers needed to tackle movement beneath the asphalt rather than continue relying on localised surface treatment, while acknowledging that a deeper reconstruction would require significant time and money.

The four-time world champion said his concern had intensified after watching the World Endurance Championship race at the venue. Although he praised Austin and the circuit's layout, he described the bumps as unacceptable. He also said vertical impacts on his spine had exceeded 9G last year, compared with cornering forces of around 5-6G, figures he cited to explain the discomfort.

BBC Sport reported that Verstappen expected the latest cars to make some impacts worse, despite the end of the previous regulations. He explained that the cars' ride height drops when their front and rear wings close for corners, making bottoming out under braking particularly demanding. His warning concerned how the cars might respond to the surface, rather than a confirmed outcome from this year's race.

McLaren's Lando Norris supported the criticism. According to BBC Sport, he said the surface fell well short of the tolerances expected for a newly built circuit, while recognising Austin was an existing venue. Norris also said he takes headache tablets before driving at some tracks because bumps cause his head to strike the headrest, describing an issue drivers had raised repeatedly.

George Russell offered a more measured response, calling bumps part of racing but arguing for more frequent resurfacing. The Mercedes driver told BBC Sport that Formula 1 circuits should probably be repaved every couple of years to improve consistency, pointing to deteriorating asphalt at venues as a wider concern beyond Austin.