Andrea Stella takes aim at 'experienced driver' after…

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella shared his disappointment following the double DNF for the team in the United States Grand Prix sprint, sending a sly jab at 'an experienced driver', presumed to be Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg, for his involvement in the incident.

Hulkenberg, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris got caught up in a Turn 1 tussle on the opening lap of the sprint race at the Circuit of The Americas. While the stewards determined that no further action was required for the crash, both McLaren drivers were out of the race, leaving championship rival Max Verstappen to go on and take the win.

LAP 1/19

What a DRAMATIC start to this Sprint, with a first corner collision between the top-two in the championship! 😱#F1Sprint #USGP pic.twitter.com/eVRnFjzFuZ
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 18, 2025

"Well the reaction is that we are disappointed that we didn't have the possibility to race today," Stella told Sky Sports F1 after the race. "The first-corner incident took both cars out of the race. It's surprising that, you know, like some drivers with a lot of experience don't act with just more prudence.

"Just more prudence, go through the first corner, make sure you don't damage competitors and then carry on. So overall disappointed but we take it on the chin. We are now focusing on repairing the cars and there's a lot to do and then we restart the weekend from there.

"I think we are in a strong position from a competitiveness point of view so we hope we have the possibility to race, race normally and capitalise on our performance."

Eight points were up for grabs for the sprint race winner, and as the drivers' championship battle continues to heat up, every point is crucial for both of the McLarens.

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren (Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images)

"Yeah, the points are the most important thing," Stella added. "Also, you know, I don't talk about malintent, I just talk about prudence. Prudence, especially when you are in such a position which was very good for some of these experienced drivers.

"I think a little bit more prudence would have been good for everyone."

He added: "I think, you know, like the implication is what the mathematics says. We have lost eight points with both drivers but we focus on ourselves. We know that if we can race and race normally we have a very competitive car, two very strong drivers and I think the score is going to take care of themselves so we just look forward to just some normal racing."