Oscar Piastri confirms mutual split with Mark Webber management team

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has confirmed a mutual split with the management team led by Mark Webber and his wife Ann, closing a partnership that began in 2019. The announcement arrived on Monday following the Brazilian Grand Prix, bringing an end to the arrangement that guided the Australian from junior single-seaters to the Formula 1 grid. Webber, a nine-time grand prix winner, had overseen Piastri’s rise through the Formula Renault Eurocup, Formula 3, and Formula 2 categories before securing the McLaren seat for the 2023 season. This move vaulted Piastri past midfield options and into the title fight, where he finished third last year after leading much of the championship. The separation follows a shift in roles this season, with Webber stepping back from trackside duties to focus on new ventures while Piastri continues his campaign under a new structure.

A strategic step back

The decision stems from Webber’s reduced presence at race weekends during the current campaign. In February, Piastri described the change as "just taking a bit of a step back," noting that there was no specific trigger for the adjustment. He explained that with experience, he now possesses answers to questions that previously required Webber’s input, meaning there is naturally less for the manager to do on the racing side. Webber stated that the pair collectively agreed it was an appropriate time to close the agreement, allowing Piastri to build on his achievements under new management. This transition coincides with a difficult stretch for the 25-year-old, who sits seventh in the Drivers’ standings with 152 points. He trails teammate Lando Norris by 94 points and is 238 points behind world champion Kimi Antonelli, a gap that highlights the challenges posed by the new car specifications.

Legacy and future paths

Piastri’s career trajectory under Webber included back-to-back titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2 in 2020 and 2021. Webber rejected Alpine’s plan to loan Piastri to Williams, instead pushing for the McLaren switch that stunned the paddock. That decision paved the way for Piastri’s first wins in 2024 and his near-miss for the world championship in 2025. Across 88 career starts, the Australian has secured six pole positions and nine victories, including a maiden win on home soil. Piastri remains under contract with McLaren until the end of 2028, though speculation linked him to a swap deal for Max Verstappen earlier in the summer. The former manager expressed pride in playing a role in Piastri’s formative years, wishing him a long and successful career ahead. Piastri thanked Webber and Ann for their support, calling their guidance invaluable in navigating the beginning of his F1 journey. With the final rounds of the season approaching, including stops in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, the focus shifts entirely to the track as Piastri operates without his longtime mentor at the pit wall.