McLaren Attributes Crash to Opposing Racers for Norris-Piastri Incident

McLaren F1 team bosses Brown and Stella blamed rival drivers for the collision between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the beginning of the US GP sprint race.

The Australian driver, leading Norris in the standings by 22 points, crashed into his team-mate after hitting the Nico Hulkenberg.

The incident took both team drivers out of the race, along with the Fernando Alonso, who was on the inside of the Sauber driver.

Team Executives Voice Frustration Over Crash

Brown, McLaren Racing's chief executive officer, commented to broadcasters that some of the racing at the front was "amateur hour", remarking: "Obviously Hulkenberg hit Oscar and he had no reason being where he was."

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

"It's surprising that some racers with a lot of expertise don't act with necessary care. Go to the initial turn, make sure you don't damage other drivers and carry on."

McLaren indicated that Stella was pointing to both Hulkenberg and the Aston Martin driver.

Differing Perspectives on the Incident

However, former champion Hill, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, said he believed Piastri had not demonstrated enough awareness of the risks of the first corner of an F1 race when he decided to cut back to try to pass Norris.

Piastri had a better start than Norris and initially competed on the outside on the uphill approach to the turn.

However he then moved inside in an effort to get a run on his teammate on the exit, only to make contact with the Sauber driver.

Driver Reactions After the Incident

The McLaren driver said: "Less than perfect but I haven't seen what happened, I tried to cut back on Norris and we were both quite distant from the corner apex and then were struck and it sent me into Lando. A shame."

Norris said: "I just got hit, right? I was not at fault. Further back events unfolded and I just was unfortunate and was struck because of it. I don't know. I need to review a bit more carefully. It's more people further back just being a bit careless and we are the consequence of that."

The Aston Martin driver said: "At one point I thought I was in the correct position on the inside, but some cars came very quickly from the outer side changing direction and then I was there in the center."

Hulkenberg, who had qualified a best qualifying fourth place, said: "Major disappointment. All the good work from the previous day in the bin. Just chaotic."

"Piastri turned in pretty forcefully trying to get the inside line and way out of the first corner but I can't just disappear."

"I had Fernando attack on the inner side and I couldn't see him any more. I wanted to provide room for him and then Piastri turned in and the collision was inevitable."

Aftermath and Team Response

McLaren will analyze the crash with their drivers but not until the event weekend. Both cars needed significant repairs before qualifying session at 10 PM BST on Saturday.

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

"We are in a competitive place from our competitiveness point of view so I hope we have the opportunity to compete, race normally and capitalise on our capabilities."

"The points are the key thing, I prefer not to talk about bad intentions, just prudence. A little more care would be beneficial for all involved."

Championship Implications

The race was won by the Max Verstappen, who gained ground on both team racers in the championship - he is now fifty-five points behind Piastri and 33 adrift of the Briton.

Stella said: "The implication is what the numbers says - we lost eight championship points with both drivers, but we concentrate on ourselves. We have a very competitive vehicle and two skilled racers. We look forward to just some standard competition."

Verstappen said he was approaching the title race race by race.

US GP

17-19 October, with race from 20:00 BST on Sunday

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