Verstappen challenges COTA boss to drive his car after dismissing Austin bump concerns

Max Verstappen has publicly challenged Circuit of the Americas chairman Bobby Epstein to experience Austin’s notorious bumps from inside an F1 cockpit, after Epstein suggested the four-time world champion had overstated the severity of the problem ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

The bumps at COTA have dominated conversation in the paddock throughout the weekend, with drivers raising formal concerns at Friday evening’s drivers’ briefing. Verstappen remained behind afterwards to speak directly with FIA representatives and circuit officials, having already described conditions on Thursday as “unacceptable” and “out of control.”

Speaking to Dutch media after qualifying, Verstappen made clear the issue extends well beyond the two most-discussed corners. “Turns 1 and 19 are indeed really bad, but also that whole fast section between Turns 4 and 5 — there are such big bumps there,” he said. “Of course I understand that the ground here is a problem, but that’s something you should have looked at beforehand. That really shouldn’t be an excuse.”

The physical toll on drivers has been significant. Verstappen confirmed he has been taking painkillers every day in Austin, while Lando Norris has required headache tablets before every session. Beyond the discomfort, Verstappen stressed that the bumps through the high-speed Esses section represent a genuine safety risk, with several drivers coming close to losing control during practice. “Those are things that really shouldn’t happen at such high speeds, when the car bottoms out like that,” he said.

COTA’s underlying problem is structural. The circuit was built on Texas’s high-plasticity clay, which causes a severe shrink-swell effect that distorts the surface over time. A full resurfacing was carried out two years ago, and two further interventions were made ahead of this weekend — including fresh asphalt between Turns 9 and 11 and targeted bump removal between Turns 12 and 19. Drivers argue it has not been enough.

Epstein responded to Verstappen’s initial comments by suggesting the reality on track was not as bad as the Dutchman had described, claiming the circuit had addressed most of the issues raised. Verstappen was unimpressed. “He can drive my car,” the Red Bull driver said. “After five laps he won’t be able to walk.”

Verstappen’s proposed remedy goes further than any patch-up job. He has called for COTA to be completely excavated and rebuilt on a more stable foundation, arguing that repeated resurfacing will never solve a problem that originates in the ground beneath the track.