Verstappen Slams "Unacceptable" COTA Surface Amid Spine Concerns
Formula 1·October 23, 2026

Max Verstappen has delivered a harsh verdict on the Circuit of The Americas, calling its bumpy track surface "unacceptable" and "out of control." The Dutch driver also revealed that he is worried about the state of his spine, pointing to the physical strain that rough asphalt places on drivers over a full race.
Rough surfaces are a long-running complaint in Formula 1. Constant jolts through the car can make it difficult to stay stable under braking and through corners, and the repeated impacts feed directly into the body. Verstappen's comments suggest the problem has moved beyond driver discomfort and into a question of long-term health.
The source material does not include a response from the circuit or from the sport's governing body, so it is not yet clear whether any resurfacing or other changes are planned before the next event at the venue. Verstappen's criticism is likely to add pressure on those organisers to address the issue.
Reporting based on an external source.