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McLaren F1 team executives Zak Brown and Stella blamed competitors for the incident between Oscar Piastri and Norris at the start of the US GP sprint race.

Piastri, ahead of his teammate in the championship by twenty-two points, made contact with his fellow McLaren driver after colliding with Sauber's Hulkenberg.

The collision took both McLaren drivers from the race, along with the Fernando Alonso, who was on the inside of Hulkenberg.

McLaren Leaders Express Disappointment Over Crash

Zak Brown, the team's CEO, commented to Sky Sports that some of the racing at the start was "amateur hour", adding: "Obviously Nico hit Piastri and he had no reason being where he was."

The team boss Stella added: "The reaction is that we are disappointed that we didn't have the possibility to compete."

"It's surprising that some drivers with a lot of experience don't act with necessary care. Go to the initial turn, ensure you avoid harming competitors and continue."

The team indicated that Stella was referring to both Hulkenberg and Alonso.

Differing Perspectives on the Crash

Nevertheless, former champion Damon Hill, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, said he believed the Australian had not demonstrated enough awareness of the risks of the opening turn of an Formula 1 event when he decided to cut back to try to pass Norris.

Piastri had a stronger launch than Norris and at first challenged on the outer side on the uphill approach to the corner.

However he then cut back in an attempt to get a run on Norris on the way out, only to collide with Hulkenberg.

Driver Reactions After the Incident

Piastri said: "Less than perfect but I did not see what happened, I tried to move inside on Lando and we were both quite distant from the corner apex and then were struck and it sent me into Norris. Unfortunate."

His teammate said: "I just was struck, right? I did nothing wrong. Behind us events unfolded and I just was unfortunate and got hit 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 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 quickly from the outside changing direction and then I was there in the center."

The Sauber driver, who had earned a best qualifying fourth place, said: "Big frustrations. All the good work from yesterday in the bin. Just chaotic."

"Piastri steered inward pretty aggressively trying to get the undercut and exit of Turn One but I can't just disappear."

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

Aftermath and Team Response

The team will review the incident with their drivers but only after the event weekend. Both vehicles needed significant repairs before grand prix qualifying at 22:00 BST on Saturday.

Stella said: "In general disappointed but we take it on the chin, we are now focusing on fixing the cars, 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 trust we have the opportunity to race, race normally and capitalise on our capabilities."

"Championship points are the key thing, I prefer not to talk about bad intentions, just prudence. A little more care would be good for everyone."

Championship Implications

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

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

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

US GP

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

Real-time analysis on BBC Radio 5 Live, additional channels and Sports Extra 2; real-time updates on BBC Sport website and mobile application