Norris Backs Verstappen on Circuit of the Americas Bumps
Lando Norris confirms he uses pain relief to manage the physical strain caused by track surface issues in Austin.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Motorsports
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Lando Norris has voiced his support for Max Verstappen's criticism regarding the bumpy surface at the Circuit of the Americas. Norris revealed that he relies on headache tablets to endure the physical toll caused by the track during race weekends.
Why it matters
The persistence of track irregularities despite recent maintenance efforts highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining a smooth racing surface for modern Formula 1 cars. Drivers emphasize that these bumps are physically demanding due to the low ride heights of current vehicle specifications.
F1 cars operate just 10mm off the ground at the end of straights, making them highly sensitive to track undulations. Additionally, the 18-inch tires now used in the sport transmit more road feedback to drivers than previous tire configurations.
The players
Lando Norris
Lando Norris is a professional Formula 1 driver currently competing for McLaren.
Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen is a three-time Formula 1 world champion who drives for Red Bull Racing.
George Russell
George Russell is a professional Formula 1 driver who competes for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.
Circuit of the Americas
The Circuit of the Americas is a multi-purpose racing facility in Austin, Texas, that hosts the United States Grand Prix.
The details
Drivers are experiencing repetitive head impacts against headrests as a result of the surface irregularities in Austin. The issue is exacerbated by the limited suspension travel and low clearance mandated for contemporary F1 vehicles.
Timeline
2012: Formula 1 began racing at the Circuit of the Americas.
2023: Max Verstappen won at the Circuit of the Americas.
2024: The entire track surface was resurfaced.
2025: Maintenance work occurred between Turn 9 and Turn 11.
2034: The contract for Formula 1 racing at COTA is set to expire.
Season Trajectory
These complaints follow the current Formula 1 FIA technical regulations regarding ride height that require cars to run extremely low. The issues at the Circuit of the Americas highlight a struggle between modern car design and the physical integrity of legacy circuit surfaces.
The persistent surface issues at the Circuit of the Americas may impact how teams set up their suspension and ride height for the remaining race weekends in Austin. Drivers must continue to balance the aerodynamic benefits of low ground clearance against the physical risk of head impacts.
The takeaway
The criticism from top drivers underscores the physical toll that track conditions impose on competitors in high-downforce racing categories. Teams and organizers must navigate the fine line between surface stability and the technical constraints of modern car design to ensure driver safety.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the racing calendar, visit Motorsports.
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Should professional racing circuits be held to stricter surface safety standards than currently exist?
