McLaren explain Piastri problem that forced retirement

McLaren Team Principal Andreas Stella has explained the problem that forced Oscar Piastri into retirement during the United States Grand Prix.

The Australian had a blistering start off the line and gained four positions on the opening lap, having started from 10th on the grid.

But after contact when running side-by-side with Esteban Ocon through Turn 4, there was damage done to the right side of his car.

He managed to settle into sixth for the next 10 laps, before being forced to retire due to a consequence of the accident.

Stella explained to media, including RacingNews365: "The impact with the front left wheel with one of the Alpine's caused damage in the water system under the bodywork on the sidepod.

"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."

Piastri: He had a right to be there

Onboard appeared to show Ocon's car was unsettled by the bumps heading through the corner, which caused him to oversteer into the side of Piastri's MCL60.

Piastri felt that it was a racing incident between the pair, with Ocon also forced to retire a few laps prior.

"I didn't really think anything of it to be honest," he told media, including RacingNews365.

"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."