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McLaren F1 team bosses Zak Brown and Stella blamed rival drivers for the collision between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the beginning of the US GP sprint event.

The Australian driver, leading his teammate in the standings by 22 points, made contact with his fellow McLaren driver after colliding with Sauber's Hulkenberg.

The collision eliminated both McLaren drivers out of the race, along with the Alonso, who was on the inside of Hulkenberg.

McLaren Leaders Voice Frustration Over Crash

Zak Brown, McLaren Racing's chief executive officer, commented to broadcasters that some of the driving at the start was "unprofessional", stating: "Obviously Nico made contact with Piastri and he had no reason being where he was."

McLaren F1 team principal Andrea Stella commented: "The reaction is that we are displeased that we didn't have the chance to compete."

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

The team indicated that Stella was mentioning both Hulkenberg and Alonso.

Differing Perspectives on the Incident

However, 1996 world champion Hill, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, said he believed Piastri had not shown enough understanding of the risks of the first corner of an F1 race when he decided to move inside to try to pass Norris.

The Australian had a better start than Norris and initially competed on the outside on the uphill approach to the corner.

However he then moved inside in an attempt to get a advantage on his teammate on the way out, only to make contact with Hulkenberg.

Driver Reactions After the Incident

Piastri said: "Less than perfect but I haven't seen what occurred, I attempted to cut back on Norris and we were both quite distant from the corner apex and then were struck and it sent me into Norris. A shame."

Norris said: "I just got hit, right? I was not at fault. Further back events unfolded and I just was unfortunate 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 consequence of that."

Alonso said: "At one point I believed I was in the correct position on the inner side, but some vehicles came very quickly from the outer side changing direction and then I was there in the center."

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

"Oscar steered inward pretty aggressively trying to get the inside line and way out of Turn One but I can't just disappear."

"I had Alonso attack on the inner side and I was unable to see him any more. I aimed to provide room for him and then Piastri turned in and the collision was inevitable."

Aftermath and Team Response

McLaren will analyze the crash with their racers but not until the event weekend. Both vehicles needed extensive work before qualifying session at 22:00 BST on Saturday.

The team principal said: "In general displeased 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 restart the weekend from there."

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

"Championship points are the key thing, I prefer not to talk about mal-intent, just prudence. A bit more prudence would be good for everyone."

Standings Impact

The race was won by the Verstappen, who closed in on both team racers in the standings - he is now 55 points behind the Australian and 33 adrift of the Briton.

Stella said: "The implication is what the maths show - we lost eight points with both drivers, but we focus on ourselves. We have a very competitive car and two skilled racers. We look forward to just some standard competition."

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

US GP

17-19 October, with race from 8 PM BST on Sunday

Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra and Sports Extra 2; live text updates on sports website and mobile application