Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
oscar piastri Labeled his first lap collision with a team-mate lando norris A “racing incident” occurred in the United States as he denied allegations that he was to blame for the crash, which took out title rivals.
Piastri, from third on the grid, attempted to cut back inside Norris at a sharp turn at the Circuit of the Americas, but turned straight into Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg.
The Australian’s car lifted up and hit Norris’ left rear. mclarenThe British drivers’ tires sent careers across the track.
Norris was immediately ruled out, with Piastri limping for some time, before suspension damage also affected his participation.
It was an expensive event for title rivals and the sprint winner was allowed max verstappen Closing within Piastri’s 55 points and Norris’ 33 points.
Holding Norris responsible for the assault on Piastri in Singapore a fortnight earlier, McLaren decided to impose unspecified “consequences” on Norris.
This was a minor drop compared to the carnage on the first lap AustinMany pundits – including former world champion Jenson Button – are placing the blame on Piastri.
Piastri said, “I think for me it was a racing incident. I was quite far from the top and I think the cars behind were going too deep into the corner.”
“Could I have done anything different? Probably yes, but what would have been different would have been potentially letting two or three cars go.
“I think the racing event is appropriate.”
McLaren chief executive Jack Brown was initially strong in defense of his driver at the pit wall, telling Sky Sports: “That’s some amateur hour driving by some of the drivers up front there.”
He later withdrew his assessment that Hülkenberg was at fault, but did not specify who he felt was at fault.
McLaren’s decision to insert themselves into the title fight after Singapore by sanctioning Norris for a first lap maneuver that was deemed legal by the FIA will raise questions about what they decide to do after this latest collision.
Norris believes this will still be addressed after the weekend.
“I think it will be reviewed to understand some more things. Yes, but apart from that, I can’t do anything. I just have to move on and do my job.
“As a team we don’t want these things to happen.”
Piastri endured a difficult day in Austin and could only manage sixth on the grid in qualifying for Sunday’s 56-lap race.
Verstappen, who has finished ahead of the McLaren pair in each of the last three races, again claimed pole and put himself in the title picture with 166 points still left to fight for.
Norris was three tenths behind in second but will be glad to see Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton between him and title rival Piastri on the grid as he looks to reduce the gap to 22 points in the standings.