Austin – Drivers are not impressed with the state of the
Circuit of the Americas after the first two rounds of practice Friday
for the United States Formula One Grand Prix, with world champion
Lewis Hamilton and ex-champ Sebastian Vettel among those complaining
about bumps.
The track is not in the best shape because of its bumps," Ferrari's
Vettel said. "But it is what it is and that makes it a bit special
and more tricky for us. But I don't think they can do anything to fix
it now.
"A bump here and there are part of a circuit's character. But here
there are some which look more like a jumping hill."
Mercedes driver Hamilton even complained about a headache after first
practice and quipped he may need a cushion to ease the extra pressure
on the spine.
"The track was very bumpy in certain areas, especially through Turns
5 and 6 - which is a high-speed section, so if the rear end of the
car is not stable enough because of the bumps it can be tough,"
Hamilton said.
It was not clear why the track had become so bumpy compared to
previous years but Vettel said that work needs to done ahead of next
year's race.
Final practice and qualifying are later Saturday and the race Sunday.
Hamilton has a record five wins in Austin but only needs an
eighth-place finish to clinch a sixth world title with two races to
spare in the season.