Verstappen reveals true extent of his back issues

Pulse Sports Team 20:31 - 24 October 2026

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed the true severity of his ongoing spinal issues.

Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, the Dutchman admitted to dealing with back pain without elaborating on the specifics at the time. His comments were prompted by the severe bumps at the Circuit of the Americas, widely considered the roughest track on the F1 calendar.

"The bumps are very bad. Before Turn 1 and Turn 19, I lift myself slightly out of the seat before arriving at the corners. Otherwise, it's unbearable. A while ago I had scans done because my legs had been bothering me over recent years. That was when everything came to light. In certain discs in my lower back, there is nothing left. It's just grey. Those are the things people don't often talk about," Verstappen told Viaplay over the Austin race weekend.