Max Verstappen hit back at the Circuit of the Americas downplaying his concerns over the bumpy U.S. Grand Prix track, saying on Saturday that the event boss "wouldn't be able to walk anymore" if he did five laps in his Red Bull this weekend.
Verstappen joked ahead of the weekend that he would need a new spine to complete the race, but in the buildup elaborated on seeing X-rays that highlight damage to his lower back from the wear and tear of racing.
On Friday, between the first two practice sessions of the week, circuit boss Bobby Epstein told ESPN that, other than Turn 1, the track is "in really good shape" and suggested Verstappen would have a different opinion after completing laps of the circuit. COTA has worked on smoothing out the bumps in the lead-up to this year's event.
Verstappen hit back at Epstein's comments after qualifying on Saturday afternoon and suggested the COTA chief jump in the car to see for himself.
"I invite him to drive my car," Verstappen told Dutch media after qualifying second on Saturday. "I think he'd have to get out after five laps and wouldn't be able to walk anymore."
The four-time world champion revealed he has been taking painkillers just to get through every session. He disagreed with the assessment that Turn 1 was the "only offending area."
"There are also big bumps in a high-speed section between Turns 4 and 5," he added. "The ground underneath the track cannot be used as an excuse. A car should not have to take such a heavy impact at that kind of speed.
"I'm taking painkillers here, which is something I don't normally need. And I shouldn't need to, either."
- Verstappen taking painkillers to deal with 'impossible' bumps at U.S circuit
- COTA boss addresses driver concerns ahead of United States GP
- Antonelli takes pole in bid to seal world title at United States Grand Prix
Driver reaction to the bumpiness has been mixed. Reigning world champion Lando Norris has said he has needed headache tablets before every session this week just to get through the sensation of being bounced around inside the cockpit.
Verstappen also added that he's having to lift his body out of his seat at Turn 1 and Turn 9 just to complete laps without further damage.
Not everyone has the same view. When told about other driver complaints, Lewis Hamilton said: "People are complaining, I'm 42 and my back is fine."
The Ferrari driver added: "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. The car is moving and you have to correct it, in a perfect world it would be a flat track, but then there would 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."