F1 News
Drivers believe COTA circuit has to continue to work on important flaw
- Jeroen Immink
The top three finishers of the United States Grand Prix are happy with the adjustments organisers had made to the circuit after complaining last year. The poor tarmac made it too bumpy, which made it extremely uncomfortable for the drivers. This year, it was modified, and the top three race finishers: Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen have given their opinion on the update.
Top three satisfied by changes: 'A massive step forward'
Charles Leclerc, who won this year's United States Grand Prix comfortably, believes that the circuit has undergone a solid improvement. "I think there's been a massive step forward in the parts where it's been resurfaced. I still think, though, that the first sector is, apart from Turn 1, that has also been resurfaced, Turn 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 there's still quite a bit of work to be done because it's still extremely bumpy. But apart from that, on the resurfaced parts, it's a lot better." The Ferrari driver explained in the post-race press conference.
Carlos Sainz ensured Ferrari would finish with their second 1-2 on the season. The Spaniard, like his teammate, is also content with the changes. "Yeah, much better in general. I think bumps are always going to be in Austin. And it's part of the track character, which drivers accept. And I think it makes the track a bit different compared to others. But certain bumps will need to get work done every year, like the one in 3, 4, and 5. And sometimes I think it's Turn 19, and breaking into Turn 12 sometimes can get quite bumpy. But if the circuit keeps working at it, just to make sure they don't go crazy jumpy, then I think we're in a good place. But I don't mind a certain level of bumpiness to a track," Sainz explained thoroughly.
A three-time winner at the Circuit of the Americas, Max Verstappen, came home in third place in Austin. The Dutchman mirrored the opinion of Carlos Sainz. Verstappen believes the bumps were not only difficult to drive but also dangerous. "I agree. Yeah, I trust he said something very good. It's just high-speed. You don't want it to be super bumpy. It's dangerous," concluded the Red Bull Racing driver.
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
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