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

The Australian driver, ahead of his teammate in the championship by 22 points, made contact with his fellow McLaren driver after hitting the Hulkenberg.

The incident took both team drivers from the event, along with the Alonso, who was on the inner side of the Sauber driver.

Team Executives Express Disappointment Over Incident

Brown, the team's CEO, commented to broadcasters that some of the driving at the start was "unprofessional", remarking: "Obviously Nico drove into Piastri and he had no reason being where he was."

McLaren F1 team principal Stella stated: "The reaction is that we are displeased that we were denied the chance to race."

"It is unexpected that some drivers with a lot of experience don't act with appropriate caution. Enter the initial turn, ensure you don't damage other drivers and continue."

The team indicated that the team principal was pointing to both the Sauber driver and Alonso.

Differing Perspectives on the Crash

However, former champion Hill, providing analysis for a sports broadcast, 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 move inside to try to overtake his teammate.

The Australian had a better start than Norris and at first challenged on the outside on the ascending entry to the turn.

But he then moved inside in an attempt to get a run on his teammate on the way out, only to collide with Hulkenberg.

Racer Comments After the Incident

The McLaren driver said: "Not ideal but I did not see what occurred, I tried to move inside on Lando and we were both very far from the apex and then got a hit and it sent me into Lando. Unfortunate."

His teammate commented: "I just was struck, right? I was not at fault. Further back events unfolded and I just was unfortunate and got hit because of it. I don't know. I need to review a bit more thoroughly. It's more people 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 inside, but some cars 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 messy."

"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 couldn't see him any more. I aimed to leave space for him and then Oscar turned in and the collision was unavoidable."

Aftermath and McLaren's Reaction

The team will review the incident with their racers but only after the race weekend. Both cars needed extensive work before qualifying session at 10 PM BST on Saturday.

The team principal said: "In general disappointed but we take it on the chin, we are now concentrating on fixing 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 performance point of view so I hope we have the possibility to race, compete fairly and capitalise on our performance."

"Championship points are the key thing, I prefer not to talk about mal-intent, just caution. A little more care would be beneficial for all involved."

Championship Implications

The sprint event was won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who gained ground on both team racers in the championship - he is now fifty-five points behind the Australian and 33 behind of Norris.

The team boss said: "The consequence is what the numbers says - we missed out on eight points with both drivers, 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 title race race by race.

United States Grand Prix

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

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