Formula 1 drivers are facing a bumpy ride at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, with some resorting to painkillers to manage the discomfort. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, a four-time champion, revealed he is taking medication to cope with the track's uneven surface. He had previously labeled the bumps "unacceptable" and "out of control," calling for significant track improvements.

Verstappen explained, "I've had a few scans done, and you can see it in certain discs at the bottom of the back; there's nothing left there. Before Turn 1 and Turn 19 I lift myself out of the seat before I get there, otherwise it's simply impossible. I'm getting the pills in to manage." McLaren's Lando Norris echoed these concerns, describing Turn 19 as "pretty horrible" and admitting to taking headache tablets before each session.

However, not all drivers share the same sentiment. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, expressed a different view. "People are complaining, I'm 42, and my back is fine," Hamilton stated. "It is bumpy, but I think it's OK... I personally like the bumps; I think it adds character to the track, it feels flat, and I love the challenge of that." His teammate Charles Leclerc also reported no physical issues from the bumps. Alpine's Pierre Gasly, on the other hand, described the bumpiness as "very tough," expressing hope for track improvements by next year and sympathy for MotoGP riders who also race there.

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