It is one of the main talking points in the Formula 1 paddock this weekend: the extreme bumps at the Circuit of the Americas. Drivers raised their concerns during Friday evening's drivers' briefing, after which Verstappen stayed behind for some time to speak further with representatives of the FIA and the circuit.
๐ The Core Development
Because the track was built on Texas' infamous high-plasticity clay, it suffers from a severe shrink-swell effect. Two years ago, it was completely resurfaced, while two further interventions were carried out ahead of this year's event. The section between Turns 9 and 11 was resurfaced again, while efforts were made to remove the worst bumps between Turns 12 and 19.
According to the drivers, however, that is not enough. Verstappen already described the track conditions as "unacceptable" and "out of control" on Thursday, adding on Saturday that he is taking painkillers every day in Austin, just as Lando Norris needs headache tablets for every session.
๐ Background & Sector Context
When the bumps came up again after qualifying during Verstappenโs Dutch media round in the paddock, he said: "There are a few corners here that are simply really unacceptable."
That appears to refer primarily to the enormous bump under braking for Turn 1 and a rather dangerous one at Turn 19, but when Autosport put that to Verstappen, he explained that there are more problem areas.
๐ Industry & Real-World Impact
"Turns 1 and 19 are indeed really bad, but also that whole fast section between Turns 4 and 5, there are such big bumps there... Of course I understand that the ground here is a problem, but that's something you should have looked at beforehand. That really shouldn't be an excuse."
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๐ฎ Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
Besides placing considerable physical strain on the drivers, the bumps through the Esses are also potentially dangerous. Several drivers have already come close to losing control of their cars at that point during the practice sessions in Austin, and if things actually go wrong through the sequence of high-speed corners, the consequences could be immense.
"Yes, those are things that really shouldn't happen at such high speeds, when the car bottoms out like that", Verstappen said.
