Formula 1 returns to the Circuit of The Americas for the first time in two years after skipping the round in 2020 due to Covid-19. Sadly, they are not returning to the track with it in the best condition.
Bumps have always been a talking point since the construction of the circuit due to the land in which it is built. What was once a swampy and boggy piece of land is now home to a large scale venue, which of course invites instability of the land and an uneven platform.
Work is consistently performed around the circuit to try and mitigate the surface issues, but by the time they come back around 12 months later – new bumps appear.
Although it has not been as much of an issue for Formula 1 as it is for MotoGP, a request has been sent for a track resurface between turns two and ten which are alleged to be the most affected part of the track. For MotoGP to return for 2022, this request must be attended to.
With many watching the MotoGP race at ‘COTA’ a few weeks back, they would have seen the conditions. Riders were physically being forced into the air during the majority of the first sector and the beginning of the sector sector, causing some riffs between the riders and the organisers.
Okay, Formula 1 do not find it as much of a problem. Obviously, they are in a car. But, for those who remember, Sebastian Vettel suffered a rear suspension failure during the race in 2019. Despite the reasoning being kept, mostly, under wraps; one could argue the fact that the bumps were a likely cause.
The issues are here to stay, and are highly unlikely to be completely solved. But, the damage can be limited to a minimum amount. Prior to F1’s return, some sections having been grinded down in an attempt to solve the problem. Although it may work for this season’s event, the process will need to be repeated and repeated.
It is often forgetting just how much damage 20 modern day Formula 1 cars can do to a surface. They act like hoovers in messy conditions, and are able to suck in whatever is around them. Teams are accustomed to this, and they are able to produce a setup compromise that minimises any potential issues that may occur, on their side of things anyway.
Drivers will comment about the bumps on the radio, and will undoubtedly be questioned about them. Mainly due to the events of MotoGP previously. However, let’s look at the positive here. It will be entertaining for us viewers, with the chances of drivers having to work harder to find a setup for the machine that can fly through the corners but is also able to absorb the bumps.
They’ll have to get on with it, won’t they? It could become uncomfortable, especially for the ones who prefer to run with a stiffer suspension setting.
The question is, why has it become a surprise that these problems arise? They all knew during the construction of the circuit what land it is being built on. Surely, this was expected. In a way, many involved in the sport will be rather pleased to see a new American circuit hit the calendar for next season, but it is a street circuit in Miami. Bumps will be tradition.
A lot of people would enjoy seeing Formula 1 back at Indianapolis, but that is difficult to see. Understandably, the ones who have stuck around remain scarred from the farcical events of 2005.
Aggressive bumps can give a vintage value to certain tracks, like Suzuka. The Japanese track is well known for being a tad uncomfortable, yet you cannot take away those bumps as it is part of the furniture. Who knows, maybe in a few years we will regard ‘COTA’ and it’s bumps in a similar way.
The Motorsport Formula 