COTA bumps draw 2026 F1 concern in Austin

BBC Sport and Autosport reported driver concern over Circuit of the Americas bumps before the 2026 United States Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen among those cited.

BBC Sport and Autosport reported concern in the Formula 1 paddock over bumps at the Circuit of the Americas before the 2026 United States Grand Prix. BBC Sport reported that Max Verstappen called the surface “unacceptable” and “out of control”, while Autosport said the issue was raised in Friday evening’s drivers’ briefing. Verstappen arrived in Austin fourth in the 2026 drivers’ championship on 236 points, with 71 wins, 51 poles and 242 starts.

Autosport also reported that Verstappen stayed behind after the briefing to continue discussions with FIA and circuit representatives. In separate race-related coverage, Autosport reported that Fernando Alonso criticised driving standards after contact with Alexander Albon on the opening lap, and said the clash cost him four places and left his Aston Martin with floor damage. According to Autosport, Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack said the incident cost the car a considerable amount of downforce.

Alonso was 17th in the 2026 standings on seven points and has 32 wins from 432 Formula 1 entries. Any response from the circuit or the FIA on the surface issue remained unconfirmed in the supplied reports.