Formula 1 Drivers Criticize Circuit of the Americas Bumps
Drivers report physical discomfort from track irregularities despite recent resurfacing efforts at the Austin facility.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Motorsports
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Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are raising concerns over persistent surface bumps at the Circuit of the Americas. The drivers report that the track irregularities cause physical discomfort during races, with Norris noting he takes headache tablets to manage the impact.
Why it matters
The physical toll on drivers highlights the challenge of maintaining the track surface to support high-performance racing as Formula 1 continues its residency in Austin. With a contract in place until 2034, finding a long-term solution for these bumps remains a technical focus.
Current F1 cars operate with just 10mm of ground clearance while navigating the circuit on 18-inch tires that transmit surface irregularities directly to drivers. While the entire track was resurfaced in 2024 and additional work was completed between Turn 9 and Turn 11 in 2025, reports of bumps persist.
The players
Lando Norris
A professional Formula 1 driver who reports using medication to manage pain from track bumps.
Max Verstappen
A Formula 1 champion who has publicly criticized the surface conditions at the Austin track.
George Russell
A Formula 1 driver who explained how technical car specifications contribute to the physical impact of road bumps.
Circuit of the Americas
The Austin-based racing facility that serves as the host for the United States Grand Prix.
The details
Drivers attribute the discomfort to the track surface transmitting bumps through 18-inch tires, which have smaller sidewalls than previous iterations. George Russell explained that the minimal 10mm gap between the car and the track forces drivers to endure repeated head impacts against their headrests. Despite resurfacing efforts throughout 2024 and specific repairs between Turn 9 and Turn 11 in 2025, the track remains a subject of critique from the sport's top competitors.
Timeline
2012: Formula 1 began racing at the Circuit of the Americas.
2024: The entire track surface was resurfaced.
2025: Maintenance work occurred between Turn 9 and Turn 11.
2034: The contract for Formula 1 racing at COTA expires.
The Texas Context
The ongoing debate over the quality of the Circuit of the Americas surface follows a pattern of localized maintenance efforts since the track opened in 2012. These driver concerns pose a recurring question for the track's management as they look toward the expiration of their current F1 contract in 2034.
Local fans and attendees should anticipate continued scrutiny of track conditions as Formula 1 continues to hold events at the Circuit of the Americas. While the driving experience is the immediate focus, fans should watch for future announcements regarding track safety enhancements before the next major race weekend.
The takeaway
The physical impact on drivers remains a central point of tension in the Austin racing community. Keep an eye on any future announcements from the track regarding infrastructure upgrades as the 2034 contract deadline approaches.
Further reading
For more on local racing events and venue updates, visit our Motorsports section.
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Should professional racing circuits be held to stricter surface safety standards than currently exist?
