Oscar Piastri and his manager Mark Webber have mutually agreed to end their professional relationship, marking a significant development in the young driver’s Formula 1® career. The announcement came shortly after the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, signaling a shift in Piastri’s management approach as he continues to establish himself within McLaren.
The split between Piastri and Webber, who had been managing the 25-year-old along with Ann Neal, was not entirely unexpected. Earlier in 2026, Webber’s involvement had become more behind the scenes, with less presence trackside. This change reflected growing differences in perspectives, particularly concerning McLaren’s handling of Piastri’s 2025 season. Webber reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided for Piastri’s late-season dip in form and was keen to protect the driver from being seen as a secondary team figure.
Webber’s management style has been shaped by his own experience at Red Bull Racing, where the political dynamics of driver roles were prominent. In contrast, McLaren under team principal Andrea Stella has emphasized fairness and engineering-led decisions, a philosophy that differs from the environment Webber was accustomed to. Despite these differences, McLaren never formally requested Piastri to change his management, suggesting the decision was driven by Piastri’s evolving needs and input from his inner circle.
As Piastri has matured as a driver, his requirement for hands-on guidance has lessened compared to his rookie season. This natural progression has led to a management approach better suited to his current career phase. Piastri remains contracted with McLaren until the end of 2028 and is focused on strengthening his relationship with the team rather than exploring other opportunities.
Speculation linking Piastri to Red Bull has been addressed by insiders as exaggerated. With Max Verstappen’s contract extension and Red Bull’s internal talent pipeline, a move to the team appears unlikely at this stage. Piastri himself has acknowledged Webber’s important role in his early career, particularly in navigating the challenges of Formula 1® and facilitating his transition from Alpine to McLaren.
The decision to part ways with Webber reflects a professional and mutual understanding rather than any conflict. It highlights the evolving nature of driver management as Piastri seeks alignment within McLaren and a support structure that fits his present circumstances. This development underscores how drivers’ management needs can change as they gain experience and confidence in the sport.