Oscar Piastri is implementing a number of changes to his personal team for 2026. Former driver and manager Mark Webber will take a less prominent role; Australian sources confirm he will travel to fewer Grands Prix. Reportedly this is linked to tensions between Webber and McLaren. Piastri’s management is said to have repeatedly suggested that Lando Norris was being favoured in the title fight.
Former Red Bull driver Mark Webber and his partner Ann Neal will remain responsible for managing Piastri’s career. However, where the nine-time race winner was a conspicuous presence in the paddock last year, he steps back this season. With Webber focusing mainly on commercial matters going forward, Piastri’s former race engineer – Portuguese Pedro Matos – will support him at the circuit and in the paddock.
Pressure from McLaren?
According to German outlet F1-Insider, the reorganisation was not driven solely by sporting considerations. On McLaren’s advice, Piastri reportedly carried out the changes. Piastri’s management stoked rumours last year that Norris was receiving preferential treatment within the team. At its peak that prompted speculation about a possible transfer, a development that was far from welcome inside McLaren.
There were also paddock whispers that relations between Webber and McLaren – and specifically with CEO Zak Brown – had cooled. The team is said to have applied ‘pressure’ on Piastri to reorganise his management on and around the circuit.
