Lewis Hamilton jokes about his age as F1 drivers criticise Austin track bumps

Lewis Hamilton has taken a very different view of the bumps at the Circuit of The Americas, joking about his age and insisting that his back is perfectly fine despite complaints from several Formula 1 drivers. While Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen have raised concerns about the uneven surface at the venue hosting the 2026 United States Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver believes the bumps add character to an already demanding circuit.

The condition of the Austin track has become a major talking point during the Grand Prix weekend. Several drivers have complained about the increasingly uncomfortable bumps, particularly in certain corners where the cars experience significant vertical movement. However, Lewis Hamilton has embraced the additional challenge, offering a light-hearted response to the concerns raised by his rivals.

Why Austin’s bumpy track is frustrating Formula 1 drivers

Several Formula 1 drivers have complained about the bumps at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, which are largely caused by the clay-rich soil on which the venue was constructed. Despite resurfacing work carried out over the years, some sections of the circuit remain uneven, creating particularly difficult conditions for drivers.

The bumps affect how the cars behave through certain corners and can make the driving experience physically uncomfortable. The subject returned to the forefront following qualifying for the United States Grand Prix, when Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton all addressed the condition of the circuit.

Carlos Sainz compares Austin’s bumps to the Dakar Rally

Speaking to Spanish outlets AS and DAZN, Carlos Sainz was particularly critical of two sections of the Austin circuit. The Spanish driver explained that the bumps are severe enough to affect visibility and cause significant physical discomfort behind the wheel.

“There are two bumps, at Turn 1 and Turn 19. You can’t see anything, your head gets thrown around, and after the session a little ibuprofen helps… These bumps should not have passed the FIA checks, and they know what they need to change. It feels more like my father’s Dakar Rally than Austin…” Carlos Sainz explained.

The comparison with the Dakar Rally highlights the extent of Carlos Sainz’s frustration. His father, Carlos Sainz Sr., is closely associated with the famous rally-raid competition, making the reference particularly pointed when discussing the surface of a Formula 1 circuit.

Beyond the discomfort itself, Carlos Sainz also questioned whether the most severe bumps should have been accepted during the FIA’s circuit inspections. His comments suggest that the problem is not simply the presence of an uneven surface, but the intensity of the impacts experienced at specific points around the lap.

Lewis Hamilton jokes about his age and defends Austin’s bumps

Lewis Hamilton, however, expressed a considerably more relaxed opinion about the condition of the track. As reported by Automoto.it, the Ferrari driver explained that he actually enjoys the additional challenge created by the bumps, arguing that they contribute to the circuit’s distinctive character.

“Yes, there are bumps, but I’m fine with that. I like them, they give the track character and add another challenge. The layout is fantastic, and they give it something extra. Turn 1 isn’t a problem, while Turns 9 and 19 are a little bumpy, but nothing serious. I’m 41 years old and my back is perfectly fine,” Lewis Hamilton joked.

His assessment contrasts sharply with the concerns raised by Carlos Sainz. While the Spanish driver singled out Turns 1 and 19 as particularly problematic, Lewis Hamilton suggested that Turn 1 does not present a major issue for Ferrari, identifying Turns 9 and 19 as the areas where the surface is noticeably less smooth.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion also made it clear that he does not necessarily consider an entirely smooth surface essential to an enjoyable driving experience. For Lewis Hamilton, dealing with the bumps is part of the challenge of mastering the Circuit of The Americas.

With the United States Grand Prix taking place on a circuit already known for its demanding combination of high-speed direction changes and slower technical corners, the uneven surface adds another factor for drivers to manage. Although opinions differ over how serious the problem has become, Lewis Hamilton’s humorous response shows that not everyone on the grid wants Austin’s distinctive bumps eliminated.