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George Russell has suggested that Formula 1 circuits should be resurfaced every couple of years to put an end to recurring driver complaints regarding track bumps.
The Circuit of the Americas, host of the United States Grand Prix, has long been regarded as one of the bumpiest venues on the calendar. Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen voiced strong criticism about the circuit's condition throughout the race weekend, claiming the harsh surface caused him back issues. The complaint even sparked a war of words between the Red Bull driver and track chairman Bobby Epstein. Meanwhile, other drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, played down the concerns, insisting they did not suffer the same discomfort.
The issue is far more pronounced at the Austin venue than elsewhere because the facility was built on soft, shifting soil. However, Russell believes consistent, high-standard maintenance could eradicate the problem entirely.
"Yeah, it's bumpy, but I think that's just part of racing," Russell told the media in Austin. "My general view is that F1 tracks should probably be resurfaced every two years to ensure greater consistency. Right now, we're racing at venues where the asphalt is breaking up and heaving, which only creates additional headaches."
Why the issue is magnified in Formula 1
Formula 1 machinery runs far closer to the ground than cars in other categories in order to maximise downforce. Because of this, Russell pointed out that modern F1 cars are exceptionally sensitive to any changes in track contours.
"We're not racing in IndyCar or Formula 2 where the ride height is relatively high. At the end of the straight, the clearance between our car and the asphalt is ten millimetres – just one centimetre," Russell added. "That means you feel every single bump, and the tyre sidewall has been much smaller since we moved to 18-inch wheels. The tyre's overall circumference is unchanged, but the rim is significantly larger. You lose all that compliance where the tyre used to act like a damper, which is virtually non-existent now. It's not ideal, but there isn't much we can do about it."
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