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Max Verstappen

Verstappen and Hamilton in urgent appeal: 'This is not F1 level'

Will the F1 World Champions get their wish ahead of next season?

Hamilton Verstappen US
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have called for urgent resurfacing work at the Circuit of the Americas ahead of F1's return next season.

The demand comes after drivers were exposed to excessive bumps across the United States Grand Prix weekend, where Verstappen headed Hamilton across the finish line before the Mercedes driver was disqualified post-race.

Bumps are frequent at the Austin venue due to under-surface subsidence caused by the unstable ground the circuit was built upon, with resurfacing work and track shaving a frequent occurrence to ensure racing is possible for both F1 and MotoGP.

But following his 50th F1 victory, Verstappen told media including RacingNews365.com: "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. 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.

"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."

Bumps add character but there's way too many

"I agree with Max," added Hamilton, whose disqualification was as a result of excessive plank wear due to bouncing.

"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.

"From the last corner to the start line, for example, that's smooth, then the rest is bumpy.

"The other areas, we could patch up and improve."

Hamilton was speaking before his disqualification was announced.

F1 2023 United States Grand Prix RN365 News dossier

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