Circuit of the Americas boss Bobby Epstein has rejected criticism of the observe floor from Max Verstappen, insisting the bumps the Purple Bull Method 1 driver complained about have been fastened. He did concede {that a} dip at Flip 1 is a real downside.
Verstappen had joked after his Singapore win that he would wish a brand new backbone after Austin, as World Endurance Championship drivers had been essential of the asphalt once they raced there. After qualifying second on Saturday forward of america Grand Prix, he stated he was taking painkillers to handle again ache brought on by the bumps.
“I’ve had a couple of scans finished and you’ll see it in sure discs on the backside of the again there’s nothing left there,” he informed Viaplay. “Earlier than Flip 1 and Flip 19 I carry myself out of the seat earlier than I get there, in any other case it’s merely unattainable. I’m getting the drugs in to handle.”
Talking to ESPN, Epstein stated the circuit solely grew to become conscious of the Flip 1 dip this week and would have repaired it had it recognized sooner. He argued that the opposite bumps Verstappen referred to had already been handled. He added that WEC drivers he spoke to informed him there was “no downside”.
“We don’t really feel good that there’s a bump on the backside of Flip 1,” Epstein stated.
“We didn’t learn about it till this week. We’d have fastened it.
“However the different issues Max spoke about, all of the bumps across the observe, we’ve fastened them. The observe is in actually good condition.
“I talked to some WEC drivers who stated there’s no downside. There’s one bump at the start of [Turn] 1 that’s not acceptable in my thoughts; it’s a dip, not a bump.
“If it have been a bump, we’d sharpen it out; we’d care for it tomorrow evening, or in a single day tonight, and that sort of stuff’s occurred earlier than [at other tracks].
“However when it’s a dip, it’s loads completely different; there’s no straightforward repair.”
“Max doesn’t say I’m incorrect loads, however he’s additionally proper loads, and he’s often very frank, and I recognize that about him.
“I had no downside with him saying what he stated. I believe he may be shocked in some areas that bumps he thought have been right here aren’t any extra.”
COTA chief clarifies concern raised by Max Verstappen
Epstein additionally stated he had no concern with Verstappen talking out, describing him as frank and sometimes proper, and prompt the Dutchman may discover a number of the bumps he anticipated are actually gone.
The Flip 1 dip has raised concern forward of the race, with Oscar Piastri evaluating it to a motocross soar.
“The vast majority of the observe might be higher than what it has been in earlier years,”
“However the stumble upon Flip 1 is a bit like a motocross soar. And the one into Flip 19 shouldn’t be that significantly better.” stated the Australian.
“So, in qualifying it’s not too dangerous since you brake after the bump. However within the race tomorrow, you’re braking proper on that bump. Particularly in case you’re overtaking somebody into Flip 1.”
COTA’s floor has been a recurring supply of driver complaints since F1 first raced there in 2012.
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