OSCAR PIASTRI WARNS COTA BUMPS COULD BECOME AN OVERTAKING HAZARD AT US GP

Oscar Piastri called the Turn 1 bump at Circuit of the Americas "a motocross jump" after qualifying seventh for Sunday's United States Grand Prix. The McLaren driver singled out the braking zones into Turns 1 and 19 as problem areas, even as most of COTA's resurfaced track has improved from prior years.

The issue escalates on race day. In qualifying, drivers brake after clearing the bump. In wheel-to-wheel combat, they're braking right on top of it—especially dicey when lunging for an overtake into Turn 1. Four-time champion Max Verstappen earlier called the bumps "unacceptable," and Piastri confirmed the drivers raised it with the FIA.

Meanwhile, COTA's new Turn 1 clubhouse—complete with cable cars ferrying spectators overhead—sits close enough that Piastri noticed it on his first lap. He says it adds atmosphere. Whether it adds drama tomorrow depends on whether anyone can hold their line over the bump while under attack.