Thrilling Start Turns Chaotic as Piastri and Norris Exit After Collision
The Sprint in Austin began with unexpected drama involving McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The duo, positioned second and third, found themselves out of the race after a collision on the opening corner.
Chaos Unfolds at the Start
The incident occurred shortly after the race commenced. Piastri, the championship leader, approached Turn 1 cautiously. However, he was tagged by Nico Hulkenberg of the Kick Sauber team from behind.
Details of the Collision
- Drivers involved: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg
- Positions: Piastri (2nd), Norris (3rd), Hulkenberg (4th)
- Impact: Both McLaren drivers crashed out of the Sprint
This contact resulted in Piastri colliding with his teammate, forcing both to exit the race. The incident prompted the deployment of the Safety Car.
Reactions from McLaren
Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, expressed his disappointment post-race. He stated, “That was terrible; neither of our drivers is to blame. Amateur hour. Nico drove into Oscar.” His comments reflect the frustration within the McLaren team.
Aftermath of the Incident
As the race continued, Max Verstappen maintained the lead. Following the collision, George Russell moved into second place, while Carlos Sainz secured third. This incident significantly shifted the dynamics of the Sprint in Austin.
The dramatic start not only affected the McLaren team but also reshaped the competitive landscape for the remainder of the race.
