McLaren reveal issue that cost Oscar Piastri at US Grand Prix

Piastri na P2 in Sprint Shootout op Spa-Francorchamps — Photo: © LAT Images

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McLaren reveal issue that cost Piastri at US Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri made an excellent start to the US Grand Prix after starting in 10th place

Cal Gaunt

Wednesday 25 October 2023 16:57 Updated: 22:45

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has shone a light on the issue that led to Oscar Piastri's retirement in the United States Grand Prix.

The Australian made an impressive start, gaining four positions on the opening lap from his 10th-place starting position.

However, a collision with Esteban Ocon while running side by side through Turn 4 caused damage to the right side of his car.

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Despite initially settling into sixth place, he was ultimately forced to retire in the aftermath of the accident.

Oscar Piastri had made an excellent start to the race before being forced to retire

Oscar Piastri says there was nothing untoward in the collision that forced his retirement

Andrea Stella has explained the need to retire Oscar Piastri from the United States Grand Prix

Stella: Car temperature was out of control

"The impact with the front left wheel with one of the Alpine caused damage in the water system under the bodywork on the sidepod," Stella said.

"This meant that we had a gradual loss of water pressure and at some stage we saw that temperatures were going out of control, pressure kept reducing, so we needed to retire the car."

Onboard footage appeared to show that Ocon's car was affected by the bumpy Circuit of the Americas track as they went through the corner, resulting in him losing control and making contact with Piastri.

Esteban Ocon collided with Oscar Piastri which saw them both out of the race

Piastri: Ocon clash was unfortunate

Piastri viewed the incident as a racing-related occurrence, and it's worth noting that Ocon had to retire from the race a few laps earlier as well.

"I didn't really think anything of it to be honest," he said post-race.

"I felt like I definitely had the right to be there, I don't think Esteban did anything untoward. Just we met in the middle and unfortunately, it's caused damage to both."