{
  "id": 16455267,
  "title": "Max Verstappen reacts to COTA boss: \"He can drive my car, after five laps he won't be able to walk\"",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/max-verstappen-reacts-to-cota-boss-he-can-drive-my-car-after-five",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-25T09:23:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/max-verstappen-reacts-cota-boss-092316018.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The unpredictable track conditions at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) have become a major talking point in the Formula 1 community this week. Drivers have expressed concerns after facing extreme bumps during Friday's drivers' briefing. Verstappen, in particular, stayed behind to discuss the matter further with the FIA and circuit representatives. The track's high-plasticity clay soil leads to a severe shrink-swell effect, resulting in significant track changes throughout the year. While two resurfacings and further interventions have been carried out ahead of this year's event, drivers feel these measures are insufficient. Verstappen has described the track as \"unacceptable\" and \"out of control,\" citing particularly dangerous bumps under braking for Turn 1 and at Turn 19.",
  "summary": "Verstappen suggests that the F1 circuit in Austin needs to be completely dug up and given a better foundation. According to the Dutchman, simply resurfacing the track is not enough to tackle the \"unacceptable\" bumps",
  "key_points": [
    "Max Verstappen discusses COTA track conditions with FIA and circuit reps",
    "Track's clay soil causes severe shrink-swell effect, changing throughout year",
    "Verstappen calls track \"unacceptable\" and \"out of control\""
  ],
  "editors_take": "Persistent geological instability at the circuit threatens driver safety and forces a confrontation between competitors and organizers over the adequacy of recent track resurfacing efforts.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Motorsport.com",
        "title": "Max Verstappen reacts to COTA boss: \"He can drive my car, after five laps he won't be able to walk\"",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/max-verstappen-reacts-to-cota-boss-he-can-drive-my-car-after-five-16455427",
        "published": "2026-10-25T09:23:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}