Max Verstappen takes painkillers due to bumpy Austin track

Unacceptable conditions in Austin

Max Verstappen is taking daily painkillers to manage back issues caused by the bumpy Austin track. I find his frustration with the Circuit of the Americas condition entirely justified after he called the situation "unacceptable" and "out of control" heading into this weekend. The 29-year-old four-time world champion specifically targeted the high-speed section between Turns 4 and 5 and the area around Turn 19 as problem areas where the car bottoms out. He also complained about the enormous bump under braking for Turn 1. Verstappen told Dutch media that the physical impact of the car hitting the ground at high speeds is something drivers should not have to face. "There are also big bumps in a high-speed section between Turns 4 and 5," he argued. "The ground underneath the track cannot be used as an excuse. A car should not have to take such a heavy impact at that kind of speed, as it is dangerous." He added that he is taking painkillers, which is something he does not normally need, and he even challenged COTA boss Bobby Epstein to experience the discomfort himself. "I invite him to drive my car," Verstappen said. "I think he’d have to get out after five laps and wouldn’t be able to walk anymore."

Epstein dismisses the driver concerns

Epstein dismissed the complaints, claiming the circuit is in really good shape and that most bumps have already been fixed. He told ESPN that the staff did not know about the issue at the bottom of Turn 1 until this week and would have fixed it if it were a bump. Because the section is a dip rather than a bump, Epstein said there is no easy fix for the problem. He noted that if it were a bump, they would sharpen it out overnight, but a dip is much more difficult to remedy. This instability stems from the Texas high-plasticity clay, which causes a severe shrink-swell effect under the asphalt. The track underwent a complete resurfacing two years ago, with additional interventions occurring before this weekend, including work on the section between Turns 9 and 11 and efforts to remove bumps between Turns 12 and 19. Several drivers came close to losing control of their cars during practice sessions in the high-speed Esses, and I find the circuit’s defense insufficient, especially as Lando Norris also needs headache tablets for every session to deal with the conditions. Epstein suggested Verstappen might be surprised that some bumps he expected to find are no longer there.

A need for deep foundations

Verstappen argued that the current methods of laying new asphalt are merely putting a plaster over the problem when they should be digging up the entire track to install a proper foundation because the ground underneath is moving. He suggested that the FIA and Formula 1 must be stricter, as the current methods are not enough. Because he wants to prevent damage to drivers’ spines, he believes officials must dig up the track to install a proper foundation. Verstappen’s argument remains that drivers should not have to accept such conditions because of the damage to their spines, and he believes the FIA and F1 must be stricter. This issue remains a major talking point in the paddock after the drivers raised concerns during Friday evening’s briefing, where Verstappen stayed behind to speak with FIA and circuit representatives. Verstappen will start second on the grid for Sunday’s race, alongside polesitter Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who can clinch the world championship if results go his way. I find it concerning that drivers are facing such serious and extreme physical strain while competing for a world title. The bumps through the high-speed corners remain a serious safety issue because the consequences of losing control could be immense for the drivers.