Max Verstappen reveals spine damage ahead of United States Grand Prix
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed that medical examinations have shown problems with the lower part of his spine, which he believes have been aggravated by years of racing and the physical forces generated by modern F1 cars.
The Red Bull driver discussed his condition during a media session on October 22 ahead of the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.
According to RacingNews365, Verstappen said the repeated impacts experienced by drivers, particularly on bumpy circuits, could have long-term consequences.
«I can tell you from the checks I’ve had on my spine, the bottom end doesn’t look that great,» he said.
max talking to de telegraaf about his spine.. i find this quite worrying i won’t lie https://t.co/74w74JMxXc
— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) October 22, 2026
Verstappen, 29, did not disclose a specific diagnosis or indicate whether the issue would affect his participation in upcoming races.
He explained that drivers regularly experience forces of five to six times gravity while cornering, but vertical impacts caused by uneven track surfaces can be considerably stronger.
During last year’s race in Austin, Verstappen said he experienced vertical loads exceeding 9G on his spine, considerably more than the forces typically encountered while cornering.
Why is Verstappen concerned about Austin Circuit?
Verstappen criticised the condition of COTA, arguing that its increasingly uneven surface poses an unnecessary risk to drivers.
The circuit has experienced recurring problems with bumps caused partly by movement in the clay-rich soil beneath the track. Although organisers have carried out repairs and surface grinding, Verstappen believes those measures have failed to address the underlying problem.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are raising serious concerns over COTA’s brutal bumps. 😬 Verstappen called the conditions «unacceptable,» revealing that medical checks showed the lower part of his spine isn’t looking good. Norris backed him up, admitting he sometimes needs headache tablets before going on track because of how violently his head hits the headrest. Both drivers say the issue needs addressing, with Norris revealing they’ve complained about it repeatedly. The physical toll of racing at Austin is becoming a serious concern.
— Everything Formula (@evrythngformu1a) October 22, 2026
He also warned that the current generation of cars could make the situation worse under braking, when changes in ride height can cause vehicles to strike the track more forcefully.
The Dutchman called the bumps «unacceptable» and argued that properly fixing the circuit would require more extensive reconstruction.
Despite his criticism, Verstappen emphasised that he enjoys racing in Austin and considers COTA one of Formula 1’s best circuit layouts.
His concerns extend beyond the Texas venue.
Between 2022 and 2025, Formula 1’s ground-effect regulations encouraged teams to run particularly stiff suspension setups and low ride heights to maximise aerodynamic performance.
Max Verstappen says he plans to order a new spine after Austin: "Difficult to say I dont want to say i will be in the fight in Austin. But the last weekends have been great but I just take it race by race and once we are in Austin than we will see how it goes there. But again its a very different track from what U saw from Wec the track is incredibly bumpy omg like. I probably need to order a new spine after the weekend. I become like robocop" https://t.co/ztlQdNE1Ig
— Laura 🦋 (@formuLau16) October 11, 2026
The resulting bouncing, commonly known as porpoising, prompted complaints from several drivers about back pain and discomfort. The FIA subsequently introduced technical measures to limit excessive vertical oscillations.
Although Formula 1 introduced new technical regulations for 2026, Verstappen believes the effects of previous cars should not be overlooked.
He warned that continuing to accept severe impacts could worsen drivers’ physical condition over time.
The United States Grand Prix takes place on October 25, with practice and qualifying sessions scheduled across the weekend.
