Max Verstappen has called for major structural repairs at the Circuit of the Americas after revealing worrying problems with his lower spine, which he believes have been aggravated by the severe bumps at the United States Grand Prix venue. The Red Bull driver warned that vertical impacts exceeding 9G have placed enormous strain on his back and fears the consequences could become even more serious if the conditions remain unchanged.
“This is one of the best circuits to race on, but the bumps in the asphalt are unacceptable.” Max Verstappen was unequivocal in his criticism of the long-standing problems at Austin, a circuit whose uneven surface has repeatedly attracted complaints in both Formula 1 and MotoGP. The Dutch driver revealed that he experienced significant back problems following the 2025 United States Grand Prix.
Circuit organisers have once again attempted to address the issue by resurfacing several sections of the track. However, the problems have persisted, and the characteristics of the underlying ground appear to make a permanent solution particularly difficult.
Max Verstappen demands structural changes to fix Austin’s bumps
Max Verstappen’s main objection concerns the explanation that unstable ground is responsible for the circuit’s recurring surface irregularities. In his view, the problem should have been anticipated and addressed by reinforcing the foundations beneath the asphalt.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion believes that the work carried out over the years has amounted to temporary repairs rather than a lasting solution. He argues that the circuit needs to be opened up completely so engineers can address the underlying causes of the bumps. Such an operation would be expensive and time-consuming, but Max Verstappen considers it necessary to eliminate surface irregularities that have become increasingly difficult to manage.
“I love this track, I love this place. It’s one of the best layouts ever and one of the best circuits to race at. But for me, the bumps we have are unacceptable,” Max Verstappen said. “Over time, they’ve patched things up here and there, but it’s like putting a plaster on a big wound. The real problem is what’s underneath, and that’s what needs to be addressed.”
The problem is particularly significant at a venue whose combination of elevation changes, high-speed corners and heavy braking zones already makes car setup demanding. The 2026 United States Grand Prix circuit guide outlines the contrasting technical demands of Austin, including the steep climb towards Turn 1 and the rapid changes of direction that characterise the opening sector.
Max Verstappen reveals spinal problems after impacts exceeding 9G
Max Verstappen’s greatest concern is the physical toll the circuit takes on drivers, something he experienced particularly seriously following the 2025 race. Some of the most uneven sections of COTA, especially Turns 1 and 19, are located in braking zones approaching slower corners. According to the Red Bull driver, this makes the current Formula 1 cars even less comfortable than the ground-effect machines used between 2022 and 2025.
The previous generation of Formula 1 cars was already known for running with stiff suspension setups and low ride heights, particularly on the straights. However, the 2026 cars run even closer to the ground in corners and can make more aggressive contact with the asphalt under braking, when the front and rear wings close.
“Last year, we were experiencing around 5-6G in the corners, but I also had impacts from vertical loads exceeding 9G on my spine. I can assure you it’s not pleasant at all, and as the years go by, it takes an increasingly heavy toll,” Max Verstappen explained.
The Dutch driver also revealed that examinations of his spine had produced worrying results, particularly concerning his lower back. Although he accepts that physical strain is an unavoidable part of motorsport, he believes the characteristics of recent Formula 1 cars have made the situation considerably worse.
“From the checks I’ve had on my spine, I can say that the lower part isn’t in very good shape. I know this is part of racing, but the damage has been amplified by the cars we’ve had in recent years. Now, if we continue to consider driving in these conditions acceptable, we’ll suffer even more serious consequences.”
His concerns extend beyond driver comfort. Max Verstappen believes the combination of repeated heavy impacts, increasingly demanding car characteristics and unresolved surface problems makes further intervention necessary rather than optional.
COTA president admits Austin Turn 1 problem has no immediate solution
Max Verstappen’s criticism prompted a response from Circuit of the Americas president Bobby Epstein, who defended the work undertaken at the Texas venue while acknowledging a significant problem in the braking zone for Turn 1.
Speaking to ESPN, Bobby Epstein insisted that the circuit was in excellent condition overall and said he had received very positive feedback from World Endurance Championship drivers following their race at Austin earlier in the year. He maintained that the problems identified elsewhere around the track had been addressed through the latest maintenance work.
However, Bobby Epstein acknowledged that a depression in the asphalt near Turn 1 remained a serious concern. According to the circuit president, the issue only became apparent in the days immediately preceding the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
He described the depression as “unacceptable” but explained that the characteristics of the underlying ground make it much more difficult to resolve than an ordinary bump. Unlike a raised section of asphalt, which can be ground down or repaired relatively quickly, the dip cannot be eliminated through a straightforward overnight intervention.
The admission highlights the difference between the circuit’s assessment of its resurfacing programme and Max Verstappen’s demand for a more fundamental solution. While COTA believes the majority of the track has improved, the Red Bull driver remains concerned about the consequences of repeated impacts on drivers’ bodies.
Why Austin’s track surface remains a concern for Formula 1
The issue is not limited to physical discomfort. Surface depressions can also affect the behaviour of Formula 1 cars under braking, making it harder for drivers to maintain stability and avoid locking their wheels. The concern has also been raised by Pirelli, whose analysis of Austin’s bumps and braking challenges identified the uneven asphalt as an important factor for teams preparing their cars for the Grand Prix.
For Max Verstappen, however, the priority is the long-term physical impact. His warning about forces exceeding 9G and the condition of his lower spine adds a significant driver-welfare dimension to a problem that has troubled the Circuit of the Americas for several years.
With COTA acknowledging that the Turn 1 depression cannot be repaired immediately, the disagreement is unlikely to disappear simply because some sections have been resurfaced. Max Verstappen wants the structural causes addressed, while the circuit maintains that substantial improvements have already been made. The unresolved question is whether the remaining problems can be eliminated without the extensive reconstruction the Red Bull driver believes is necessary.
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