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McLaren F1 team leaders Zak Brown and Stella blamed rival drivers for the incident between Piastri and Norris at the beginning of the United States Grand Prix sprint event.

Piastri, leading his teammate in the championship by 22 points, made contact with his team-mate after making contact with the Nico Hulkenberg.

The collision took both team drivers from the race, along with Aston Martin's Alonso, who was on the inside of the Sauber driver.

McLaren Leaders Express Disappointment Over Crash

Zak Brown, McLaren Racing's CEO, told broadcasters that some of the driving at the start was "unprofessional", adding: "Obviously Hulkenberg drove into Piastri and he had no business being where he was."

The team boss Andrea Stella added: "The reaction is that we are displeased that we were denied the chance to race."

"It's surprising that some drivers with a lot of expertise don't act with necessary care. Enter the initial turn, ensure you don't damage other drivers and continue."

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

Differing Perspectives on the Incident

However, 1996 world champion Hill, commentating for a sports broadcast, said he thought Piastri had not shown enough understanding of the risks of the first corner of an F1 race when he chose to cut back to try to overtake Norris.

Piastri had a stronger launch than the Briton and initially competed on the outside on the uphill approach to the corner.

But he then cut back in an attempt to get a advantage on Norris on the exit, only to hit Hulkenberg.

Driver Reactions After the Collision

Piastri said: "Not ideal but I haven't seen what occurred, I attempted to cut back on Norris and we were both very far from the corner apex and then got a hit and it sent me into Norris. A shame."

His teammate commented: "I just got hit, right? I did nothing wrong. Further back things happened 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 further back just being a bit reckless 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 cars came very fast from the outer side switching back and then I was there in the middle."

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

"Piastri steered inward pretty aggressively trying to get the undercut and way out of Turn One but I cannot vanish."

"I had Alonso attack on the inner side and I couldn't see him any more. I aimed to provide room for him and then Piastri steered inward and the contact was inevitable."

Aftermath and Team Response

The team will analyze the incident with their racers but only after the event weekend. Both vehicles needed significant repairs before qualifying session at 22:00 BST on the weekend.

The team principal said: "Overall disappointed but we take it on the chin, we are now focusing on repairing 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, race normally and capitalise on our capabilities."

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

Championship Implications

The race was taken by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who closed in on both McLaren drivers in the standings - he is now 55 points behind Piastri and thirty-three behind of the Briton.

The team boss said: "The consequence is what the numbers show - we lost eight points with both drivers, but we focus on ourselves. We have a very competitive vehicle and two strong drivers. We look forward to just some normal racing."

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

US GP

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

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