Max Verstappen has confirmed he is taking painkillers to manage severe back pain caused by the track surface at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The Red Bull driver described the conditions as “unacceptable” and “out of control” ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Verstappen revealed that recent scans on his lower back indicate significant wear in certain discs. He stated that he lifts himself out of the seat before Turns 1 and 19 to mitigate the impact of the bumps, calling it otherwise “simply impossible.”
The four-time world champion previously joked about needing a “new spine” or becoming “Robocop” after the race. He later clarified that his concerns about long-term spinal damage are serious, citing vertical loads exceeding 9G on his spine in past events at COTA.
Verstappen’s observations from a World Endurance Championship (WEC) race at COTA earlier this year also contributed to his apprehension, noting the track was “extremely badly bumpy.”
Other drivers have echoed similar sentiments regarding the circuit’s condition. Lando Norris stated he takes headache tablets before every session due to hitting his head against the headrests.
Norris also highlighted that modern track construction regulations have much smaller tolerances, suggesting COTA does not meet current standards.
Oscar Piastri warned that a bump at Turn 1 could become an overtaking hazard during the race, likening it to a “motocross jump.”
George Russell acknowledged the track’s bumpiness as “not ideal” but considered it “just part of racing.”
Conversely, Lewis Hamilton dismissed the complaints, stating his back was “fine” and that he personally liked the bumps, believing they add character to the track.
COTA circuit boss Bobby Epstein addressed the concerns, admitting a dip at Turn 1 was “not acceptable” and had only been identified this week.
However, Epstein maintained that other problematic bumps around the track had been fixed, asserting the circuit was otherwise “in really good shape.” He noted that dips are more challenging to remedy than bumps.
Ahead of the 2026 United States Grand Prix, COTA underwent significant track improvements. These included resurfacing between Turns 9 and 11, and smoothing bumps near Turns 12 and 19.
New blue track limits lines were also introduced at most corners to enhance clarity for drivers and officials.
Historically, COTA has been one of the bumpier circuits on the calendar due to high-plasticity clay beneath the surface. This causes a shrink-swell effect with changing weather conditions.
Previous resurfacing efforts included work on Turns 2-10 and 12-16 in 2021, and an additional project in April 2024, completed in late August of that year, primarily on the front stretch.
The circuit has a contract to host an annual Formula 1 race through to the 2034 season.
The weather forecast for the 2026 US Grand Prix weekend indicates warm and dry conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C and track temperatures potentially exceeding 55°C.
Moderate to gusty winds, up to 40 km/h, are also anticipated, which could further influence car balance and performance.
Tyre management and energy deployment are expected to be critical factors, with a softer tyre allocation potentially leading teams to favour softer compounds.
