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Verstappen calls for deeper repairs to Austin’s uneven track

Max Verstappen criticised the bumps at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas before the United States Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver called for repairs below the asphalt rather than repeated surface grinding. Lando Norris described cockpit discomfort at some circuits, while George Russell discussed resurfacing and the limited clearance beneath the cars.

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Patched and locally smoothed asphalt at an empty Austin racing-circuit bend, with red-white kerbs and the observation tower in the distance.

Verstappen wants repairs beneath the asphalt

Max Verstappen called for lasting repairs to the Circuit of the Americas, the Formula 1 circuit in Austin, before the United States Grand Prix.[1], [2]

The Red Bull driver described its bumps as unacceptable. He said repeated grinding of uneven patches treated the surface while leaving the underlying problem in place.[1]

Verstappen said he liked the track’s layout and corners. His criticism concerned the uneven ground rather than the route itself. Opening the track for deeper work would require time and money, he acknowledged.[1]

Drivers describe strain in the cockpit

Verstappen referred to footage from the World Endurance Championship and described the strain that bumps placed on his back and spine. Lando Norris also discussed discomfort at some circuits, saying his head hit the headrest and he experienced headaches. Norris argued that older venues were outside the surface tolerances expected at newly built tracks.[1]

Russell proposes regular resurfacing

George Russell accepted bumps as part of racing but proposed resurfacing Formula 1 circuits every couple of years. He said the cars could run about 10 millimetres above the ground at the end of a straight. He also discussed how 18-inch wheels, reduced tyre sidewalls and limited suspension travel affected ride quality. The comments came during pre-event media discussions.[1]

References

  1. News sourceSky SportsVerstappen calls for lasting repairs to Austin circuit bumps↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5
  2. News sourceMotorsport.comVerstappen calls for deeper repairs to Austin’s uneven track↩

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