Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen see the US GP issue differently, as the organizers share an update.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton might soon see a new name join the list of F1 Drivers’ Champions if Kimi Antonelli can snag the 2026 title. But for that to happen, Kimi will need some luck at the US Grand Prix, hoping Ferrari and Red Bull drivers don’t block his chance to make Formula 1 history.
Meanwhile, Verstappen and Hamilton have different takes on the Texas race track. Verstappen, along with a few other drivers, has been complaining about the bumps around the circuit. He’s mentioned several times after qualifying and practice that the rough track is taking a toll on his body. Verstappen even shared, “It’s really not nice. From the tests I had on my spine, the lower part doesn’t look great.”
On the other hand, Hamilton seems to like the bumps. Although he’ll start from fifth place on the grid, the Ferrari driver says the bumps add character to the track. He explained, “Yes, it’s bumpy, but that’s okay. I didn’t have any trouble with the bumps. I actually like them—they add personality to the track. It’s a challenge because the car moves, and you have to control it. A perfectly flat track would be boring.”
He added, “This track already has a great layout, and the bumps give it a little extra. Turns 1, 9, and 19 have a few bumps, but everyone is facing the same thing. I’m 42, and my back is fine.”
COTA boss Bobby Epstein also responded to the drivers’ concerns. After Verstappen joked about needing a new spine after the US GP, Epstein said in an interview with ESPN, “We’re not happy about the bump at the bottom of Turn 1. We only found out about it this week, otherwise, we’d have fixed it. But the other bumps Max mentioned have been fixed.”
He added, “The track is in good shape. Some WEC drivers say there’s no problem. The issue is a dip, not a bump, at Turn 1. If it were a bump, we’d fix it quickly, but dips are harder to deal with. Max is usually honest, and I respect that. He’s right about some things and straightforward with his opinions.”
Epstein concluded, “Max might be surprised to find that some bumps he mentioned aren’t there anymore.”