Oscar Piastri’s daring overtaking move during the Grand Prix in Monza has reignited the debate around team orders. However, Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber, views the audacious maneuver primarily as a demonstration of the Australian’s ‘brilliant’ driving style. Webber even dares to compare his protégé to a multiple world champion.
Piastri immediately caught the spotlight in Monza with his early overtaking move on teammate Lando Norris. The overtaking move, and McLaren’s subsequent decision later in the race not to give team orders to the drivers, sparked considerable debate after the race. However, Piastri’s manager Mark Webber saw primarily a brilliant maneuver from his protégé.
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Reflecting on Piastri’s Performance
“Respectful, tough, neat. That’s what we saw again this weekend in turn four at Monza,” reflects Webber on Piastri’s race in the Formula for Success podcast. “To get through there and brake absolutely brilliantly and execute the move as well as he did was really an impressive performance.”
Webber dares to compare Piastri’s calculated and precise style on the track with that of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. “I heard about Lewis in karting that he was always tough but fair,” says Webber. “I’m not putting Oscar in the category of Lewis, he has to earn that of course. But also Piastri’s damage bill is incredibly low.”
Praise for McLaren
Piastri’s current ability to often compete for podium places during races is not only due to the Australian’s own driving talent. The rise of McLaren has also ensured that the young driver is currently in perhaps the best car in the field. “I think we all agree that the rise of McLaren has been absolutely extraordinary,” says Webber. “Zak (Brown) and Andrea (Stella) are doing absolutely great. They are doing brilliant work. That’s no fluke.”
