Verstappen and Norris flag COTA bumps ahead of United States Grand Prix
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have publicly highlighted the physical toll of bumps at Circuit of the Americas before the 2026 United States Grand Prix. The drivers described impacts on the spine and headrests that exceed typical cornering forces and called for root-cause fixes rather than surface repairs.
Drivers highlight track surface issues
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have raised concerns about the bumpy surface at Circuit of the Americas ahead of the 2026 United States Grand Prix. Verstappen described the bumps as unacceptable and noted that repeated surface grinding fails to address underlying movement in the track. [1] He referenced observations from the recent World Endurance Championship event at the venue and vertical loads exceeding typical cornering forces. [1]
Norris supported the assessment and stated that COTA would not meet current FIA tolerances if constructed as a new circuit. [2] He explained that he takes headache tablets before sessions at bumpy tracks because of repeated head impacts against the headrest. [2]
Calls for permanent solutions
Both drivers noted that the issue has been discussed for years without a lasting resolution. Verstappen argued that only major earthworks to address the soil beneath the asphalt would resolve the problem, even if costly. [3] Norris agreed that the track condition is poor by modern standards. [4]
Related reading
- [1]Max Verstappen: Red Bull driver hits out at 'unacceptable' bumpy United States GP surface at COTA amid safety concerns (skysports). Accessed 2026-10-23.
- [2]Lando Norris backs Max Verstappen over COTA bumps, reveals headache tablet use (motorsport). Accessed 2026-10-23.
- [3]Verstappen's spinal damage fears from 'out of control' F1 bumps (therace). Accessed 2026-10-23.
- [4]'It's pretty bad' – Why Norris needs headache tablets for bumpy Austin circuit (autosport). Accessed 2026-10-23.