SPRINT START: Piastri and Norris out after contact

Drama unfolded at the start of the Austin Sprint as both McLaren championship contenders, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were forced to retire early after a collision at Turn 1.Starting second and third, Piastri was tagged by Nico Hulkenberg's Kick Sauber, sending him into his teammate Norris. The incident immediately brought out the Safety Car, ending the race for both McLaren drivers and prompting CEO Zak Brown to label it "amateur hour," blaming Hulkenberg. Max Verstappen maintained his lead, while George Russell and Carlos Sainz benefited, moving into second and third respectively in the chaotic opening.