Verstappen Jokes About New Spine for Bumpy COTA

At the lead‑up to the United States Grand Prix, four‑time world champion Max Verstappen warned that the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) could leave him needing a new spine. During a press conference after the Singapore race, he described the COTA surface as “incredibly bumpy,” citing his observation of the 6‑hour WEC event that pushed drivers to the limit. He joked that he might have to “order a new spine” or “become like Robocop.” Verstappen also said he was still unsure if he would be in the fight at the front in Austin, adding that he would evaluate the car and track “race by race.”

Verstappen’s comments come after a difficult start to the season, with his first win not arriving until the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, followed by a second victory in Singapore. Red Bull Racing has faced technical challenges, including power‑unit and gearbox failures for teammate Isack Hadjar, and the RB22’s reliability remains a concern. The team is preparing for the high‑altitude demands of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, where engine performance and heat management will be critical for the upcoming races.