Max Verstappen says the COTA bumps spine risk has become a genuine safety concern for Formula 1 drivers, warning that the Circuit of the Americas surface is “extremely badly bumpy” ahead of the next United States Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver said he has already had medical checks done on his spine after dealing with the track’s rough patches, according to Sky Sports.
Verstappen based his latest warning on what he observed watching a World Endurance Championship race at COTA earlier in 2026, not solely on his own F1 experience at the track. “You see also the track state from what I saw in WEC (World Endurance Championship), it was extremely badly bumpy,” he said, per Sky Sports.
Verstappen’s Safety Warning On COTA Bumps
Verstappen has described vertical loads through his spine that go well beyond normal cornering forces at the Austin circuit. “So last year, for example, you pull around 5, 6G [-force] in a corner, but I had some impacts, like vertical load, which was like over 9G on my spine, which I can tell you is really not fun,” he said, according to ESPN.
He said the issue is not new and has been raised by drivers for years without resolution. “You know, I was joking about that, of course, in the last race. But it’s not really a joke to be honest. Because we mentioned this already for years that it’s actually getting a bit out of control,” Verstappen said.
The three-time world champion also disclosed the results of his own medical evaluation. “the bottom end doesn’t look that great, the spine,” he said, per Sky Sports.
What The Medical Checks And Reaction From Other Drivers Mean
Verstappen rejected the idea that soil conditions at the Texas circuit are an acceptable explanation for the bumps. “Of course, you can use the excuse that the soil is the problem, but then you should have known that you need to make sure that you reinforce it more,” he said. His comments drew support from rivals. Lando Norris agreed with Verstappen’s concerns and said circuits should be held to higher standards for smoothness, arguing COTA does not meet current track-building regulations, according to ESPN.
George Russell offered a more measured view, saying bumpy surfaces are part of racing but adding that he is concerned about the general standard of track surfaces across the calendar, per Sky Sports.
Background On The Complaint
Verstappen’s remarks come off the back of a win at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he also took the sprint race victory. The bumps at COTA have been a recurring talking point among drivers for several seasons, and Verstappen’s comments suggest frustration that the issue has persisted despite repeated complaints.
What’s Next
Neither the FIA nor Circuit of the Americas officials have issued a public response to the renewed safety concerns, and there is no confirmation of any resurfacing or repair work planned before the United States Grand Prix returns to Austin. Drivers are expected to revisit the issue once the F1 field arrives at COTA for the race weekend.
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