Max Verstappen 'popping pills' at US GP to deal with 'impossible' pain
Max Verstappen admitted he has turned to "popping pills" to manage his pain with his back in bits because of the bumpy surface at the Circuit of the Americas. The United States Grand Prix always provides one of the bumpier rides of the season for Formula One drivers due to shifting soil underneath the Texas circuit. Track bosses have resurfaced part of the circuit ahead of F1's latest race in Austin, but that has done little to aid the comfort of the drivers.
TL;DR
- Max Verstappen is experiencing severe back pain at the Circuit of the Americas due to the bumpy track surface.
- He describes the bumps as unacceptable and a cause of significant vertical load impacts on his spine.
- Verstappen has resorted to taking painkillers ('popping pills') to manage the pain.
- Scans revealed wear on the discs in his lower back, with 'nothing left there' for natural protection.
- He believes such discomfort and reliance on painkillers should not be a normal part of Formula 1 racing.
- The track's shifting soil contributes to the bumps, and recent resurfacing has not adequately addressed the issue.