Drivers Voice Concerns Over Circuit of the Americas Track Surface
Several Formula One drivers have raised concerns about the track surface at the Circuit of the Americas, with Max Verstappen going as far as to state that the track no longer meets the standards expected for an F1 race.
Traditionally a favourite among fans and drivers, the Texas circuit has faced significant criticism, a situation only compounded by the disqualifications of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
While the track has always had its share of bumps, the decision to resurface certain sections appears to have exacerbated the situation.
Drivers experienced difficulties throughout the weekend, and Mercedes attributed part of Hamilton’s disqualification to the challenging track conditions, notably the bumps.
Complicating matters further was the fact that this particular race weekend featured a Sprint format, leaving teams with limited opportunities to fine-tune their setups for the demanding track.
“At the moment it feels like it’s better suited to a rally car,” said race winner Max Verstappen. “Like, I’m jumping and bouncing around.
“In an F1 car, you probably don’t see it as much because of course we are glued to the ground because of the downforce,” he explained, “but the bumps and jumps that we have in some places, it’s way too much.
“I don’t think it’s F1 level,” he said. “I love this track, honestly, the layout is amazing, but we definitely need new tarmac.”
Hamilton remarked: “I like some of the bumps because it adds character to a circuit but there’s way too many.
“We could work, we as drivers in the GPDA, we’re open to discussing with them and helping them maybe not doing the whole thing so it costs a fortune,” he added.
“Like, from the last corner to the start line, for example, that’s smooth, then the rest is bumpy. The pitlane is smooth, but there are other areas that for sure we could patch up and improve.”
Runner-up at the Grand Prix, Lando Norris also stated: “It would be helpful if they didn’t put new tarmac in a braking zone as well. They resurfaced some places and they start the tarmac at the 100 metre board into Turn 12, which is where we brake.
“So little things they could do. From what I’ve heard they’re resurfacing the first sector or something next year, so we’ll hope it’s a little bit better.”
