Bumpy COTA cause of disqualifications? 'We've been asking for it for years'

Circuit of the Americas, on which the US GP is being held, is very bumpy and drivers are asking for a change to be made. At least, that is what Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris say after the race in Austin. The tarmac is actually too bumpy.

Bumpy asphalt COTA is a serious problem

Partly due to the bumpy asphalt, F1 teams were forced to adjust the car to ride higher than usual. The higher tuning was to ensure that there was less contact between the plank and the asphalt. Higher tuning has caused a drastic loss of downforce in F1 cars since 2022.

As a result, Verstappen's RB19 had a much tougher time than usual. Hamilton's Mercedes and Charles Leclerc's Ferrari were even disqualified after investigation because the plank was too worn.

Verstappen, Hamilton and Norris complaining

Verstappen began after the race at the FIA press conference complaining: "Yes, it needs to be resurfaced because, at the moment, it feels like it's better suited to a rally car. I'm jumping and bouncing around, and in an F1 car probably you don't even see it as much because we are glued to the ground due to the downforce but it's way too much. I don't think it's F1 level."

Verstappen says he likes the track, especially the layout, but the bumps are too much. "It needs to be a lot smoother for the coming years because we have been asking for this for quite a few years, and nothing has been done." Hamilton agrees with his rival: "It's bumpy. I like some of the bumps because it adds character to a circuit, but there are way too many."

Hamilton is open to discussion with the track's owners and can understand that complete resurfacing could take a lot of time and money. However, the seven-time F1 champion is certain that improvements should and can be made soon. Norris does not think it is necessary to re-asphalt the entire track.

"It'd be helpful if they didn't put tarmac in a braking zone as well. There are some small things they can do, but from what I heard they're resurfacing the first sector or something next year so we'll hope it's a little bit better."