Lando Norris backs Max Verstappen’s criticism of Circuit of the Americas’ bumps, saying the surface adds strain and undermines F1 standards as Austin continues remedial work after its 2024 resurfacing.

After watching WEC at Austin, Verstappen reiterated concerns, joking he might need a new spine, echoing his United States GP criticism following his 2023 victory.

Norris says some circuits are so rough he takes headache tablets before sessions, citing head impacts on headrests and cumulative fatigue. He expanded on this in his recent comments.

He argues FIA tolerances for new venues are far tighter, meaning COTA’s legacy roughness would be unlikely to pass if proposed today under current homologation standards.

COTA’s bump issue dates to its 2012 debut. A full resurface arrived in 2024, with additional work this year targeting the section between Turns 9 and 11.

George Russell calls bumps part of racing but advocates regular refresh cycles. With 18-inch tyres and aggressive ride heights, cars expose surface flaws and increase physical loading through long stints.

Despite complaints, COTA’s place is secure until 2034, shifting emphasis to maintenance and monitoring rather than calendar jeopardy, as outlined in F1’s strategy for the venue.

For teams, bumps complicate setup. Lowering the car improves performance but raises the risk of floor strikes, porpoising, and plank wear, forcing compromises on stiffness, ride height, and kerb usage.

Driver wellbeing remains central. Norris concedes drivers have limited leverage, but Verstappen’s blunt assessment has renewed scrutiny as the United States GP build-up puts Austin back under the spotlight.

In the short term, targeted milling and sectional resurfacing appear likeliest, balancing costs, event continuity, and FIA criteria while addressing the worst zones before the next Austin weekend.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.