Norris Joins Verstappen in Slamming COTA's Bumpy Surface

Lando Norris has aligned with Max Verstappen in criticizing the Circuit of the Americas, labeling the Austin venue's bumpy surface as outdated and physically punishing. The consensus among the grid is that the track's current condition fails to meet the rigorous precision required for modern Formula 1 machinery.

Why it matters:

F1 cars now operate with extremely low ride heights to maximize ground-effect aerodynamics, making surface imperfections a critical issue for both driver physical health and car stability. When top drivers report needing medication to cope with the jolts, it signals a growing disconnect between aging circuit infrastructure and the technical demands of the 2026 regulations.

The details:

• Physical Toll: Norris revealed he often requires headache tablets before sessions because violent jolts cause his head to strike the headrest repeatedly.
• Regulatory Gap: Norris noted that if COTA were built today, it would likely fail the strict FIA tolerances and regulations imposed on new circuit constructions.
• Ride Height Sensitivity: George Russell emphasized that with ride heights as low as 10mm on straights, the cars are essentially running a centimeter from the ground, magnifying every imperfection.
• Maintenance Issues: Despite a full resurfacing in 2024 and subsequent targeted repairs between Turns 9 and 11, the surface continues to be a primary point of frustration for the drivers.

The big picture:

George Russell's suggestion that tracks should be repaved every couple of years reflects a broader concern regarding asphalt degradation across the global calendar. As the 2026 season continues, the tension between maintaining historic track characteristics and meeting modern technical requirements will likely force the FIA and promoters to prioritize more frequent and high-quality surface maintenance to ensure driver safety and competitive fairness.