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McLaren F1 team executives Zak Brown and Stella blamed competitors for the collision between Piastri and Lando Norris at the start of the United States Grand Prix sprint race.

Piastri, ahead of his teammate in the standings by 22 points, made contact with his fellow McLaren driver after colliding with the Hulkenberg.

The incident forced out both McLaren drivers from the event, along with Aston Martin's Alonso, who was on the inner side of the Sauber driver.

McLaren Leaders Voice Frustration Over Crash

Brown, McLaren Racing's chief executive officer, commented to Sky Sports that some of the racing at the front was "inexperienced", adding: "Obviously Hulkenberg made contact with Piastri and he had no reason being where he was."

McLaren F1 boss Stella stated: "The reaction is that we are disappointed that we didn't have the opportunity to race."

"It is unexpected that some drivers with a lot of experience don't act with appropriate caution. Go to the first corner, make sure you avoid harming other drivers and continue."

The team clarified that the team principal was pointing to both the Sauber driver and Alonso.

Differing Perspectives on the Crash

However, former champion Hill, providing analysis for a sports broadcast, said he thought Piastri had not demonstrated enough awareness of the risks of the opening turn of an F1 race when he decided to cut back to try to pass Norris.

The Australian had a stronger launch than Norris and initially challenged on the outer side on the uphill entry to the corner.

But he then moved inside in an effort to get a advantage on Norris on the way out, only to collide with Hulkenberg.

Driver Reactions After the Incident

Piastri said: "Not ideal but I haven't seen what occurred, I tried to cut back on Lando and we were both quite distant from the corner apex and then got a hit and it propelled me into Lando. A shame."

Norris said: "I just got hit, right? I was not at fault. Further back things happened and I just was unfortunate and was struck because of it. I am unsure. I need to look a bit more thoroughly. It's more people further back just being a bit careless and we are the result of that."

Alonso said: "At one point I thought 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 center."

The Sauber driver, who had earned a season-best fourth, said: "Major disappointment. All the good work from yesterday in the bin. Just chaotic."

"Piastri turned in pretty forcefully trying to get the undercut and exit of the first corner but I can't just disappear."

"I had Fernando attack on the inside and I was unable to see him any more. I wanted to provide room for him and then Piastri turned in and the collision was unavoidable."

Post-Crash and McLaren's Reaction

The team will review the crash with their racers but only after the event weekend. Both cars needed extensive work before qualifying session at 22:00 BST on Saturday.

Stella said: "Overall displeased but we take it on the chin, we are now concentrating on repairing the vehicles, there is a lot to do and then we will resume the weekend from there."

"Our team holds a competitive place from our performance point of view so I hope we have the opportunity to compete, race normally and capitalise on our performance."

"The points are the most important thing, I prefer not to talk about bad intentions, just caution. A bit more care would be beneficial for all involved."

Championship Implications

The sprint event was taken by Red Bull's Verstappen, who closed in on both team racers in the standings - he is now fifty-five points behind the Australian and 33 behind of Norris.

The team boss said: "The implication is what the numbers says - we missed out on eight points with both racers, but we focus on ourselves. We have a very competitive vehicle and two skilled drivers. We anticipate just some standard competition."

The Red Bull driver said he was approaching the championship race by race.

US GP

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

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