Max Verstappen’s Austin GP complaints prompt response from COTA chief

Circuit of the Americas chairman Bobby Epstein responded to complaints from Max Verstappen regarding the track surface ahead of the United States Grand Prix. Verstappen criticized the circuit's bumps as unacceptable and out of control, citing spine concerns. Epstein acknowledged that an unexpected dip at the bottom of Turn 1 is not acceptable, noting track officials only became aware of it this week.

Epstein defended the rest of the venue, stating other areas around the track were repaired and remain in good shape. COTA has faced ongoing challenges due to shifting underlying clay, prompting resurfacing between Turns 9 and 11 this year. However, Verstappen and other drivers, including Lando Norris, argued that selective resurfacing is merely putting a temporary plaster over a deeper structural problem.