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McLaren F1 team executives Zak Brown and Stella attributed rival drivers for the crash between Piastri and Lando Norris at the start of the United States Grand Prix sprint event.

Piastri, leading Norris in the championship by 22 points, made contact with his fellow McLaren driver after colliding with the Hulkenberg.

The crash took both McLaren drivers out of the event, along with the Fernando Alonso, who was on the inner side of Hulkenberg.

Team Executives Voice Frustration Over Crash

Zak Brown, the team's chief executive officer, commented to broadcasters that some of the driving at the start was "unprofessional", stating: "Obviously Hulkenberg hit Oscar and he had no reason being where he was."

McLaren F1 boss Andrea Stella added: "Our feeling is that we are displeased that we didn't have the chance to compete."

"It is unexpected that some drivers with a lot of expertise fail to act with justful prudence. Go to the initial turn, ensure you avoid harming competitors and continue."

The team suggested that the team principal was mentioning both Hulkenberg and Alonso.

Differing Perspectives on the Incident

However, former champion Hill, commentating for a sports broadcast, said he believed Piastri had not shown enough awareness of the dangers of the first corner of an F1 race when he decided to cut back to try to pass his teammate.

Piastri had a better start than Norris and initially competed on the outer side on the uphill approach to the corner.

However he then cut back in an attempt to get a advantage on Norris on the way out, only to hit the Sauber driver.

Racer Comments After the Collision

Piastri said: "Less than perfect but I did not see what occurred, I tried to cut back on Norris and we were both very far from the apex and then got a hit and it sent me into Norris. A shame."

His teammate commented: "I just got hit, right? I was not at fault. Behind us events unfolded and I just got unlucky and was struck because of it. I don't know. I need to review a bit more thoroughly. It's more drivers behind just being a bit careless and we are the consequence 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 outside changing direction and then I was there in the middle."

The Sauber driver, who had qualified a season-best fourth, said: "Big frustrations. All the good work from yesterday in the bin. Just messy."

"Piastri steered inward pretty forcefully trying to get the inside line and exit of the first corner but I cannot vanish."

"I had Fernando challenge on the inner side and I couldn't see him any more. I aimed to leave space for him and then Piastri turned in and the contact was inevitable."

Post-Crash and McLaren's Reaction

The team will review the crash with their racers but only after the event weekend. Both vehicles needed significant repairs before qualifying session at 10 PM BST on the weekend.

The team principal said: "In general displeased but we accept it, we are now concentrating on repairing the cars, there is a lot to do and then we will resume the event from there."

"Our team holds a strong position from our competitiveness point of view so I trust we have the opportunity to race, race normally and utilize our performance."

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

Standings Impact

The race was taken by the Max Verstappen, who gained ground on both McLaren drivers in the standings - he is now fifty-five points behind the Australian and 33 behind of the Briton.

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

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

United States Grand Prix

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

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