McLaren Make Decision on Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris After Austin Sprint Crash

McLaren have made a decision after Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were forced out of the United States Grand Prix sprint after a crash.

With the constructors' title already confirmed, Piastri and Norris are tussling it in the drivers' championship - where the teammates are separated by just 22 points with five races remaining.

But reigning champion Max Verstappen is still well in with a shout, now just 54 points behind leader Piastri after an excellent run of form on the track.

Victorious in two of the past three Grand Prix events, he took pole position in the sprint and qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas but the sprint race was one to forget for McLaren as both their drivers were forced to retire after an incident on Turn One.

Piastri made contact with Nico Hulkenberg which resulted in him colliding with Norris, who lost a wheel and spun.

Piastri, meanwhile, suffered suspension damage and the race was finished for the Australian, partner Norris and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin.

The double DNF disappointment was a major disappointment going into Sunday's race as both vehicles needed to be repaired but like they did with the Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren have confirmed they will analyse the incident internally.

"As usual, we’ll review the incident properly at the right time, collaboratively, with the team and the drivers, and we’ll make the right assessment,” team principal Andrea Stella said in an interview with Motorsport Week.

“This is how we handle such situations within our racing framework, and both Lando and Oscar were comfortable with this approach."

Stella, who was critical of other drivers, stating that some with "a lot of experience don't act with justful prudence", also said that conversations with Piastri and Norris were "fundamentally about resetting".

He added: “In racing, you can’t look backwards too much, especially when you have qualifying ahead. So, it was about moving on.”

Norris agreed with Stella's assessment about reviewing the situation at a later time as it "probably takes a bit more time to understand everything, and certainly just before qualifying and probably before the race tomorrow is not the best time".

Piastri called what happened "a shame."

In qualifying, Norris finished second to Verstappen and the two will battle it out from the off in Austin, with championship leader Piastri qualifying in sixth spot.

Lights out will take place at 8pm on Sunday evening as the championship race heats up once again.