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McLaren Formula 1 leaders Zak Brown and Stella blamed opposing racers for the crash between Piastri and Norris at the start of the United States Grand Prix sprint race.

Piastri, leading his teammate in the standings by 22 points, bounced into his fellow McLaren driver after hitting the Nico Hulkenberg.

The collision eliminated both team drivers from the event, along with the Alonso, who was on the inside of Hulkenberg.

Team Executives Voice Frustration Over Crash

Brown, the team's CEO, commented to broadcasters that some of the driving at the front was "unprofessional", stating: "Clearly Hulkenberg hit Piastri and he had no reason being where he was."

The team team principal Andrea Stella added: "Our feeling is that we are displeased that we didn't have the possibility to compete."

"It is unexpected that some racers with a lot of experience don't act with necessary care. Enter the first corner, ensure you don't damage other drivers and continue."

McLaren suggested that the team principal was mentioning both Hulkenberg and the Aston Martin driver.

Differing Perspectives on the Incident

However, former champion Hill, providing analysis for a sports broadcast, said he thought the Australian had not shown enough awareness of the risks of the first corner of an Formula 1 event when he chose to move inside to try to pass his teammate.

The Australian had a stronger launch than Norris and initially competed on the outer side on the uphill approach to the turn.

But he then cut back in an attempt to get a run on Norris on the way out, only to make contact with the Sauber driver.

Driver Reactions After the Collision

Piastri said: "Not ideal but I haven't seen what happened, 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. Unfortunate."

His teammate said: "I just was struck, right? I was not at fault. Behind us events unfolded and I just got unlucky and got hit because of it. I am unsure. I need to review a bit more thoroughly. It's more people further back just being a bit careless and we are the result of that."

The Aston Martin driver said: "At one point I believed I was in the right place on the inside, but some vehicles came very quickly from the outer side changing direction and then I was there in the middle."

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

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

"I had Fernando challenge on the inner side 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."

Aftermath and Team Response

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

Stella said: "In general disappointed but we accept it, we are now focusing on fixing the vehicles, there is a lot to do and then we will resume the event from there."

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

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

Standings Impact

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

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

Verstappen said he was approaching the championship one event at a time.

US GP

October 17-19, with main event from 8 PM BST on the final day

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