Max Verstappen calls Austin track bumps 'unacceptable' and 'out of control'

Max Verstappen has described the bumps on the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, as "unacceptable" and "out of control," according to reports from BBC Sport and Yahoo Sports. The track is hosting this weekend's United States Grand Prix, and drivers have expressed concerns about its condition.

Verstappen, a four-time world champion, said that while he loves the track and the city, the bumps have worsened over time. He noted that previous fixes have only been temporary and that a full track renovation is needed to properly address the issue.

The track's location on former marshland has made maintenance challenging, but Verstappen rejected this as a valid excuse. He emphasized the need for organizers to reinforce the soil and invest significant time and money to fix the problem.

He also highlighted the physical toll on drivers, mentioning vertical impacts exceeding 9G on his spine during races, which is particularly concerning as drivers age. Verstappen explained that the current car regulations, which lower ride heights in corners, exacerbate the problem by increasing the likelihood of bottoming out on the bumps.

The driver called for a comprehensive reopening and repair of the track surface to eliminate these unnatural bumps, underscoring the importance of safety and performance at the venue.