🔗 Share this article

McLaren F1 team bosses Zak Brown and Stella pointed to opposing racers for the collision between Piastri and Lando Norris at the start of the United States Grand Prix sprint race.

The Australian driver, ahead of his teammate in the championship by 22 points, crashed into his team-mate after colliding with the Hulkenberg.

The incident eliminated both team drivers from the race, along with Aston Martin's Alonso, who was on the inner side of the Sauber driver.

McLaren Leaders Voice Frustration Over Crash

Zak Brown, the team's CEO, commented to Sky Sports that some of the driving at the front was "amateur hour", remarking: "Clearly Nico drove into Oscar and he had no reason being where he was."

The team team principal Stella added: "Our feeling is that we are displeased that we were denied the chance to race."

"It is unexpected that some racers with a lot of experience fail to act with necessary care. Go to the first corner, make sure you don't damage other drivers and carry on."

McLaren clarified that the team principal was referring to both the Sauber driver and Alonso.

Contrasting Views on the Crash

However, former champion Damon Hill, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, said he believed the Australian had not demonstrated enough awareness of the dangers of the opening turn of an F1 race when he chose to cut back to try to overtake his teammate.

The Australian had a better start than the Briton and initially competed on the outside on the ascending entry to the turn.

But he then moved inside in an attempt to get a advantage on Norris on the exit, only to make contact with Hulkenberg.

Racer Comments After the Collision

Piastri said: "Less than perfect but I did not see what occurred, I attempted to cut back on Lando and we were both very far from the corner apex and then were struck and it propelled me into Lando. A shame."

Norris said: "I just was struck, right? I did nothing wrong. Further back events unfolded and I just got unlucky and was struck because of it. I am unsure. I need to review a bit more thoroughly. It's more drivers behind just being a bit reckless and we are the result of that."

Alonso said: "At one point I believed I was in the right place on the inside, but some vehicles came very fast from the outer side switching back and then I was there in the middle."

The Sauber driver, who had earned a best qualifying fourth, said: "Major disappointment. All the strong performance from yesterday in the trash. Just chaotic."

"Piastri steered inward pretty aggressively trying to get the inside line and exit of Turn One but I cannot vanish."

"I had Alonso attack on the inside and I couldn't see him any more. I wanted to leave space for him and then Piastri turned in and the contact was inevitable."

Aftermath and Team Response

The team will review the crash with their drivers but not until the race weekend. Both cars needed extensive work before grand prix qualifying at 10 PM BST on Saturday.

The team principal said: "In general disappointed but we take it on the chin, we are now focusing on fixing the cars, there is a lot to do and then we will resume the event from there."

"Our team holds a competitive place from our performance point of view so I trust we have the opportunity to race, compete fairly and utilize our performance."

"Championship points are the most important thing, I don't want to talk about mal-intent, just prudence. A bit more prudence would be good for everyone."

Championship Implications

The race was taken by the Verstappen, who gained ground on both team racers in the standings - he is now 55 points behind Piastri and 33 adrift of Norris.

Stella said: "The consequence is what the numbers says - we missed out on eight championship points with both drivers, but we concentrate on ourselves. We have a very competitive car and two skilled racers. We anticipate just some normal racing."

Verstappen said he was taking the title race one event at a time.

United States Grand Prix

17-19 October, with race from 20:00 BST on the final day

Real-time analysis on sports radio, additional channels and Sports Extra 2; real-time updates on sports website and app