Lando Norris supports Max Verstappen regarding the COTA bumps and discloses his use of headache tablets.
Lando Norris has expressed his support for Max Verstappen, highlighting that the uneven surfaces at certain Formula 1 tracks, such as the Circuit of the Americas, are so severe that he resorts to taking headache medication before hitting the track.
After observing the World Endurance Championship event at COTA, Verstappen quipped that he would "need to order a new spine after the weekend, or become like Robocop." On the Thursday prior to the Austin race, the Dutch driver grew increasingly vocal about his dissatisfaction with the circuit. When Norris was queried shortly thereafter, he echoed his competitor's sentiments.
“Well, I would agree. I mean, if you were to design a new track today, the FIA... the guidelines for constructing a new track, the tolerances one must adhere to are quite stringent. It certainly doesn’t align anywhere near those current standards, let’s just say, but it’s an old circuit, not a new one - it’s pretty rough.”
He elaborated on just how challenging it can be.
“There are numerous sections where I feel the need to take headache tablets before I head out. Simply because the bumps are so severe and you’re slamming your head against the headrests and such due to the unevenness, so it’s definitely not enjoyable.
Lando Norris, McLaren
"But there’s not a lot we can do. I mean, we voice our concerns, and it certainly gets mentioned time and again, but there’s only so much we can complain about these issues, yet he’s right. Absolutely right.”
The surface at COTA has been a persistent concern since F1 first raced there in 2012. Following his victory in Austin in 2023, Verstappen commented that the bumps were “not up to F1 standards,” and circuit chairman Bobby Epstein pledged to address the most problematic sections at that time. In 2024, the entire track was resurfaced, and efforts have been made this year to alleviate the worst conditions between Turn 9 and Turn 11.
Mercedes’ George Russell also addressed the bumps in Austin, referring to them as “part of racing” but contending that F1 circuits should undergo resurfacing “every few years.” He noted that the cars operate just 10mm above the ground at the end of the straights, and the thinner sidewalls of the 18-inch tyres result in drivers experiencing every bump acutely.
F1 has secured a contract to hold races at COTA until 2034, following a new agreement reached last year.
More from this section
Max Verstappen criticizes “unacceptable” bumps at the Austin F1 circuit: “It's beyond control.”
Lando Norris discusses the Coca-Cola incident in Madrid: “I have the freedom to choose my drinks.”
George Russell advocates for modifications to the F1 circuit following Max Verstappen's criticisms of COTA.
Kimi Antonelli set to "complete the task" as his inaugural F1 championship opportunity approaches at the US GP.
Oscar Piastri claims that Red Bull has become F1's “most reliably fast car.”
