Max Verstappen and other drivers say severe bumps at Circuit of the Americas are causing pain and could complicate overtaking, while a key dip remains unrepaired before Sunday’s race.
Severe bumps at the Circuit of the Americas have become a safety concern for Formula 1 drivers, with Max Verstappen describing significant back pain and warning that the track’s uneven surface could make overtaking hazardous. The main concern, a dip at the bottom of Turn 1, remains unresolved ahead of Sunday’s race.
Verstappen told ESPN on October 25 that he is taking painkillers and has “nothing left” in certain lower-back discs. He said he lifts himself out of the seat before Turns 1 and 19 to complete laps. Despite the discomfort, he is scheduled to start second.
The problem is not limited to Verstappen. Lando Norris told ESPN that he has taken headache tablets before every session because of the impacts. Oscar Piastri described the Turn 1 feature as “a motocross jump” and said the bump at Turn 19 is nearly as bad.
Piastri also raised a practical safety concern: drivers may need to brake directly on the bumps while attempting overtaking moves. He said drivers had brought the matter to the FIA. Motorsport.com reported that the issue was discussed at Friday evening’s drivers’ briefing and that Verstappen stayed afterward to speak with FIA and circuit representatives.
The exchange has also become public. Circuit owner Bobby Epstein told ESPN on October 24 that COTA was in “really good shape” apart from the dip at the bottom of Turn 1, which he said could not be fixed before the race. Verstappen responded by inviting Epstein to drive the car, saying he would be unable to walk after five laps.
The dispute is over the severity and consequences of a physical feature of the circuit, not a reported court case or judicial ruling. The available reporting describes driver concerns and discussions with the FIA; it does not report a lawsuit, a court order, or a formal finding that the track violates a safety standard. That distinction matters: the public warnings establish that drivers have raised the issue, but they do not by themselves resolve what action the FIA or circuit will take.
The reported repairs also leave the central complaint intact. Sections between Turns 9 and 11 were resurfaced for this year, and repairs were made between Turns 12 and 19, but reporting on October 24 and 25 said the Turn 1 dip remains. Epstein’s assessment that the circuit is generally in good shape therefore does not answer the drivers’ narrower concern about the unrepaired feature.
Car setup may contribute to how the bumps are felt. Formula 1 reported that Red Bull is running a less stiff setup than last year, but the car remains insufficiently compliant over the uneven surface. The team also said Verstappen had a steering issue during first practice, resolved before second practice; that separate mechanical problem does not account for the reported bumps or back pain.
Lewis Hamilton, by contrast, said he is 42, has no back problems and personally likes COTA’s bumps. That difference underscores that drivers are not describing identical physical effects. It does not settle the question Piastri raised about braking and overtaking on the rough sections.
With the Turn 1 dip not due for repair before the race, the immediate issue is how drivers and race officials manage the conditions on track. The reports establish an unresolved safety concern and an escalation to the FIA, but do not say whether any specific change to the race or circuit has been ordered.
Lila Hayes serves as a Staff Writer for Just Right News, where she anchors the “Courts, Law, and Constitutional Order” beat. Her work is defined by a steadfast commitment to the foundational principles of the American republic and a rigorous defense of the legal frameworks that ensure national stability. As a primary voice for the outlet, she provides readers with a clear-eyed analysis of the judiciary, focusing on the importance of originalism and the preservation of the separation of powers.
Lila’s perspective was forged in the American heartland. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she grew up in a Hispanic household where the values of hard work, faith, and respect for the law were paramount. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for the American Dream and the legal protections that make it possible. This Missouri background remains a cornerstone of her reporting, providing a grounded, common-sense counter-narrative to the often-insular legal circles of the coastal elite. She understands that the decisions made in high-court chambers have real-world consequences for families and small business owners across the country.
At Just Right News, Lila has become widely recognized for her signature feature series, “The Rulebook of Power.” In this ongoing project, she delves into the mechanics of the federal government, examining how administrative overreach and judicial activism can threaten the delicate balance of the Constitution. She approaches her beat with the tenacity of a veteran journalist and the precision of a legal scholar, consistently advocating for a judiciary that interprets the law as written rather than legislating from the bench. For Lila, the Constitution is not a “living” document subject to the whims of modern social trends; it is a fixed standard that ensures the government remains the servant of the people, not their master.
Now based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lila finds herself at the very epicenter of American constitutional history. Living and working in the city where the Founders drafted the documents she defends daily provides a constant source of inspiration. The historic halls and landmarks of Philadelphia serve as a daily reminder of the high stakes involved in her reporting. Her presence in the city allows her to bridge the gap between the historical intent of the law and its contemporary application, ensuring that the legacy of the Founding Fathers remains central to the national conversation.
Throughout her career, Lila has remained dedicated to the idea that a free society requires an informed citizenry and a transparent legal system. Her reporting is more than just a collection of headlines; it is a defense of the constitutional order that has sustained the nation for over two centuries. By focusing on the “Rulebook of Power,” she ensures that her readers understand not just what is happening in the courtrooms, but why those decisions matter for the future of American liberty. Lila Hayes continues to be a vital voice for those who believe that the law should be a shield for the citizen and a constraint on the state.