'Don't Think It's F1 Level': F1 Champions Criticize United States Grand Prix

Tuesday, 24 October 2023 at 13:00

Updated at Saturday, 28 October 2023 at 21:06

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen and Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton criticized the United States Grand Prix for the bumpy track at the Circuit of the Americas after Sunday's race.

After the previous controversial weekend at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, formula One moved to the United States to race in Austin.

The weekend seemed to go better for drivers without too many problems. However, some complaints surfaced after the race finished when Verstappen told the media, as reported by Racingnews365, that the Circuit of the Americas is too bumpy:

“"It needs to be redone because, at the moment, it feels like it is better suited to a rally car. I'm jumping and bouncing around."”

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Verstappen went as far as to compare the circuit "better suited to a rally car." On the other hand, the bouncing of cars was not too visible for the F1 fans watching from home. Verstappen explained:

“"In an F1 car, you probably don't see it as much because we are glued to the ground because of the downforce, but the bumps and jumps we have in some places... It's way too much."”

The Flying Dutchman, who won both sprint and Sunday's Grand Prix, admitted he loves the layout of the track. The problem is simply in a poor surface which he urges organizers to redo.

“"I don't think it's F1 level. I love the track, the layout is amazing but we definitely need new tarmac and it needs to be a lot smoother in the coming years. We have already been asking for this for a few years and it's not really been done."”

The seven-time World Champion agreed with Verstappen. Hamilton added he likes some of the bumps as it "adds character to the circuit."

“"I agree with Max. I like some of the bumps because it adds character to the circuit, but there's way too many. We, as drivers and the GPDA we are open to discussing with them and maybe helping them not do the whole thing so it costs a fortune."”

The finish straight is not a problem according to the number 44 driver, but the rest of the track is bumpy. Hamilton was later disqualified. The wooden plank on the floor of his car was worn down too much, which was also attributed to the bumpy nature of the circuit.