Hamilton disagrees with Verstappen: 'I don't think it's that bad'
Photo: Race Pictures
Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Lewis Hamilton is not on the same page as Max Verstappen regarding the ‘bumpy’ Circuit of the Americas. The seven-time world champion believes the bumps give a circuit character, and his back is fine.
Multiple drivers have been asked about the bumps at the Circuit of the Americas over the course of the weekend. Verstappen has been one of the most critical. The Dutchman previously said: "I love this track, I love this place. It's one of the best layouts ever and it's one of the best venues, best city to be at. But for me the bumps are unacceptable. Over time they've been grinding a little bit here and there but it's just putting a plaster on the big problem.
"But that of course means you need to really fully open up the track. That costs a lot of money and time but that's the only way to get rid of it because these bumps are not natural and they are out of control."
He added: "It’s really not nice, and I think sometimes people don’t really understand that because I can tell you from the checks that I’ve done from my spine, the bottom end doesn’t look that great, the spine."
Verstappen does not like the bumps at COTA - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
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Hamilton has no issues with bumps
When asked about the bumps at COTA, Hamilton began: "I personally like the bumps. I think it adds character to the to the track. And I love the challenge with that because if, you know, the car is moving and you have to correct it. I mean, you know, in a perfect world, it would be a flat track, but then it'd be lacking character.
"I think that's what gives this track that little bit more... It's already a great layout, but the bumps give it a bit more. Turn 1 is not a problem for us at all. It's, like, Turn 19 and Turn 9, which is a little bit bumpy, but it wasn't... Yeah, everyone's in the same boat. I don't think it's bad."
"I mean, I'm 42, my back's fine"- Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton said that, despite being one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, he has no problems with his back. "I mean, jeez. People are complaining that on the... I mean, I'm 42, my back's fine," he concluded.
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Later today, Hamilton will start the United States Grand Prix from fifth place on the grid.
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