COTA takes action to resolve last year’s bumping issues ahead of 2024 F1 United States Grand Prix

Ahead of the 2024 United States Grand Prix, the Circuit of the Americas has resurfaced its bumpy track. The smoother asphalt is anticipated to enhance ride quality for F1 drivers, who had expressed concerns about the rough surface last season.

The 3.426-mile (5.513 km) circuit in Austin, Texas, is characterized by its bumps and rough surface. However, F1 drivers and MotoGP riders have frequently criticized the surface quality, with three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen suggesting the track was not up to the sport's standards.

Following the recurring complaints, the track has been resurfaced in preparation for the 2024 United States GP, including the critical braking zone at the uphill Turn 1. The smoother surface is expected to result in quicker lap times across all series while providing a more comfortable ride for the ground effect F1 cars.

Last year, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the race classification after failing post-race inspections due to their skid blocks wearing out beyond the permitted limit. Both Mercedes and Ferrari acknowledged that the excessive wear was a consequence of the bumpy track and the parc fermé conditions during the sprint weekend.

The 2024 United States Grand Prix will also feature a sprint race, with the weekend scheduled for October 18-20. Following the Singapore GP, Formula 1 is on a three-week hiatus before action resumes in Austin, Texas.

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Max Verstappen criticized COTA surface after 2023 United States Grand Prix

Max Verstappen won the previous edition of the United States Grand Prix, finishing ahead of fast-charging Lewis Hamilton, who was later disqualified from the race. Post-race, Verstappen criticized the bumps and rough surface of the track, suggesting it was better suited for rally cars than Formula 1.

"It needs to be redone because at the moment it feels like it's better suited to a rally car. I'm jumping and bouncing around," the 3x world champion said.

"In an F1 car probably you don't even see it as much because, of course, we are glued to the ground because of the downforce, but the bumps and jumps that we have in some places, this is way too much. I don't think it's F1 level," he added.

Despite the criticism, Verstappen added that he likes the track layout but the tarmac makes it worse. The 3.426-mile circuit, featuring 20 turns, offers a mix of fast-flowing corners, long straights, and sweeping right-handers, providing ample overtaking opportunities.

Max Verstappen will head into the United States Grand Prix as the points leader in the drivers' standings, 52 points ahead of his title rival Lando Norris. Meanwhile, McLaren leads the constructors' standings, boasting a 41-point advantage over reigning champions Red Bull Racing with six rounds left in the season.