Russell says F1 circuits probably need resurfacing every couple of years

George Russell says F1 circuits probably need to be resurfaced every couple of years to keep their surfaces consistent. He said tarmac is coming loose and breaking up at tracks, causing problems.

Before the United States Grand Prix at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, the Mercedes driver described the bumps there as part of racing. His recommendation, he said, was for F1 tracks more broadly, not just Austin.

Russell said F1 cars run with about 10 millimetres of ride height at the end of a straight, leaving even small bumps easy to feel. He also pointed to the 18-inch tyres: their smaller side profile, he said, leaves less of the tyre’s former cushioning effect.

The latest technical regulations were intended to make cars less reliant on low ride heights. As development continued through 2026, ride heights fell and cars began bottoming out more often.

Norris backed Verstappen’s criticism before the 2026 Austin race, saying that on bumpy circuits he takes headache tablets before driving because the jolts make his head hit the headrest. Hamilton, by contrast, has said he had not experienced the problems Verstappen described.

COTA was fully resurfaced in 2024, but the heavy clay-based soil in the area is prone to shrinking and expanding as the seasons change. Some sections have since been resurfaced again or had bumps ground down.