Max Verstappen said he was experiencing back pain ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin and had undergone examinations of his spine. He said the lower part of his back did not look good and that he was concerned about the Circuit of the Americas because of its severe bumps.

Former endurance driver Jeroen Bleekemolen said braking forces and the uneven track could place additional strain on a driver's back. Verstappen said the circuit's bumps had been a problem for years and were becoming more severe, partly because current Formula 1 cars ran at a lower ride height. Bleekemolen said persistent back problems could eventually influence a driver's decision to stop racing, although he also noted that athletes often continue despite pain.