Piastri Warns of 'Motocross Jump' Bumps at COTA Ahead of US GP

Oscar Piastri qualified seventh for the United States Grand Prix, but the McLaren driver's primary concern isn't his grid position—it's the track surface. With Kimi Antonelli securing pole and continuing his lead in the championship, Piastri is warning that severe bumps at the Circuit of the Americas could jeopardize stability during the race.

Why it matters:

Stability under braking is critical for safety and aggressive overtaking. While qualifying laps are managed in clean air, the instability of the track surface becomes a significant liability during wheel-to-wheel combat. If drivers are forced to brake on uneven surfaces while battling, it increases the risk of lock-ups and unpredictable car behavior, potentially altering the race results.

The details:

• Piastri compared the approach to Turn 1 to a "motocross jump," noting that the braking zone into Turn 19 is similarly problematic.
• The concern is specific to race conditions; unlike qualifying, race-day overtaking requires braking directly on the bump, which disrupts the car's balance.
• Four-time champion Max Verstappen has already labeled the current track conditions "unacceptable," reflecting a wider consensus among the drivers.
• The driver collective has officially raised these issues with the FIA, and Piastri expects a permanent fix to be implemented for the 2027 season.

The big picture:

COTA has seen significant infrastructure updates for the 2026 season, including a new state-of-the-art clubhouse and spectator cable cars overlooking Turn 1. While Piastri noted that these additions enhance the overall atmosphere and haven't interfered with his visual reference points, the fundamental quality of the asphalt remains a point of contention amidst the circuit's modernization.

What's next:

Attention now shifts to the race, where the ability to navigate these surface irregularities while fighting for position will be a deciding factor. Teams will be closely monitoring how these bumps affect braking consistency and tire degradation over a full race distance.