A fierce outburst from McLaren has followed Nico Hulkenberg’s involvement in the opening-lap crash during yesterday’s Sprint
Tensions remain high within the Woking-based team. The incredible double DNF suffered by McLaren in the very first corner of the Sprint has dramatically reopened the championship fight.
A title that had seemed all but sealed — with Verstappen trailing leader Oscar Piastri by as much as 100 points — could now be completely back in play. Much will depend on the upcoming Grand Prix, with Norris set to start from the front row alongside the Dutchman.
Zak Brown’s Attack on Hulkenberg
The multi-car collision in Turn 1 that took both McLarens out of contention — paving the way for Verstappen’s victory — has not gone down well in Woking.
CEO Zak Brown, taking a rather controversial stance, singled out Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg as the main culprit.
As reported by Motorsport.com, Zak gave his own statement: “It was terrible. Our drivers are not guilty. Some of the guys up front drove like amateurs and took both our cars out. I still need to watch the replay, but it’s clear that Nico Hulkenberg ran into Oscar”.
“There was no reason for him to be there. A bit more caution would have been wise — just make it through Turn 1 safely, avoid contact, and then race. Overall, we’re disappointed, but we’ll take the hit. Now the focus is on repairing the cars; there’s a lot of work to do before we go again “.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella also expressed his anger toward Hulkenberg: “Very disappointed to not have raced”
However, Andrea Stella also expressed his own idea against Hulkenberg: “We’re very disappointed not to have been able to race today. The Turn 1 incident took both our cars out. It’s surprising that some very experienced drivers still don’t show a bit more caution”.
Harsh words indeed for a driver with hundreds of Grands Prix under his belt — though they likely stem from frustration and growing pressure within McLaren. Especially since, according to many observers, Hulkenberg’s actual responsibility in the incident remains open to debate.
Photo: McLaren
