During the 2023 US Grand Prix Sprint, McLaren faced controversy involving drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The incident led to criticism aimed at both rival teams and the drivers involved.
McLaren Addresses Collision Concerns
McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, expressed disappointment regarding the collision that prevented his drivers from racing competitively. He highlighted the need for experienced drivers to exercise caution during the first corner of a race.
Stella’s Remarks
- Stella referenced the actions of experienced drivers, implying they lacked prudence.
- Specifically, he pointed to drivers including Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso.
Driver Perspectives
After the incident, Piastri reflected on his decision to cut back inside in an attempt to pass Norris. He stated, “Not ideal but I haven’t seen what happened. I tried to get a run on Lando.”
Norris also shared his views, asserting, “I just got hit right? I did nothing wrong.” He highlighted that the collision resulted from actions further back in the field and not from immediate decisions made in the front.
Expert Opinions
Damon Hill, a former champion, evaluated Piastri’s maneuver. He noted a lack of awareness regarding the first corner’s risks. Hill emphasized the importance of strategy over aggression in racing.
Furthermore, Alonso discussed his positioning during the incident, mentioning there were “some cars came very fast from the outside.” He indicated that the congestion contributed to the collision.
Hulkenberg’s Reaction
Hulkenberg, who achieved his best qualifying position of the season at fourth, expressed his frustrations after the incident. He described the aftermath as “messy,” sharing that Piastri’s aggressive turn left little room to avoid contact.
A Summary of the Incident
| Driver | Comments |
|---|---|
| Oscar Piastri | Attempted to pass Norris, resulting in collision. |
| Lando Norris | Claimed he did nothing wrong; blamed others for carelessness. |
| Damon Hill | Critiqued Piastri’s awareness of risks. |
| Nico Hulkenberg | Frustrated over lost opportunity due to collision. |
| Fernando Alonso | Described being in a tight spot amid fast-moving cars. |
This incident at the US Grand Prix Sprint underscores the challenges drivers face on track and the importance of strategic decision-making. McLaren continues to evaluate the factors leading to such collisions as they prepare for future races.
