It has been coming for some time… 🪓 ..🚨 F1 ICON MARK WEBBER PARTS WAYS WITH OSCAR PIASTRI AS SHOCK STATEMENT CONFIRMS END OF SEVEN-YEAR PARTNERSHIP! 🪓🏎️
A major change has emerged behind the scenes in Formula 1 after McLaren star Oscar Piastri officially parted ways with his long-time management team led by Australian F1 legend Mark Webber and his partner, Ann Webber.
The announcement, released on Monday, November 9, 2026, brings an end to a professional relationship that began in 2019 and played a significant role in transforming Piastri from a promising young racing talent into one of Formula 1’s most recognisable drivers.
Although the decision was described as mutual, the news has attracted considerable attention throughout the F1 community, particularly because Webber had been such an important figure in Piastri’s career.
For several years, the former Red Bull driver was not simply a manager. He was a mentor, adviser and influential presence who helped guide Piastri through some of the most important decisions of his professional life.
Now, that chapter has officially closed.
A PARTNERSHIP THAT HELPED BUILD AN F1 STAR
Mark Webber and his management team began working with Piastri in 2019, when the Australian youngster was beginning to establish himself in junior single-seater racing.
At the time, Piastri was still relatively unknown to many Formula 1 followers. However, his performances quickly demonstrated that he possessed the ability and determination required to reach the highest level of motorsport.
With the support of Webber and his team, Piastri went on to win the Formula Renault Eurocup championship in 2019.
He followed that achievement by winning the Formula 3 championship in 2020 before completing an extraordinary run with the Formula 2 title in 2021.
Winning both Formula 3 and Formula 2 in consecutive seasons immediately made him one of the most exciting young prospects in motorsport.
However, his journey into Formula 1 was not straightforward.
Despite his impressive achievements, Piastri found himself without a full-time racing seat for the 2022 season after Alpine failed to promote him into its main driver line-up.
That situation eventually became one of the most controversial contract stories in recent Formula 1 history.
WEBBER PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN THE MCLAREN MOVE
One of Webber’s most important contributions came in 2022, when he helped Piastri secure a move to McLaren.
Alpine had announced that Piastri would race for the team in 2023, but the Australian publicly rejected the announcement, making it clear that he had not agreed to the proposed arrangement.
The disagreement eventually reached the FIA Contract Recognition Board, which ruled in McLaren’s favour.
McLaren subsequently confirmed Piastri as its driver for the 2023 season, replacing Daniel Ricciardo.
It was a major breakthrough for the young Australian.
Without Webber’s involvement and negotiations, Piastri’s route into Formula 1 could have looked very different.
The partnership continued to deliver results after his arrival at McLaren. Piastri secured two podium finishes during his rookie campaign and demonstrated that he could compete against established drivers.
His first Grand Prix victory arrived in Hungary in 2024, marking another important milestone in his development.
By 2025, he had become a genuine championship contender, spending a significant part of the season fighting for the Drivers’ Championship before eventually finishing third.
WHY HAS THE PARTNERSHIP ENDED?
Interestingly, the announcement did not come as a complete surprise to those following the situation.
Webber had already reduced his presence around Piastri during the 2026 campaign.
Unlike previous seasons, when he was regularly seen alongside the McLaren driver throughout race weekends, his appearances at the circuit became increasingly limited.
Other members of Piastri’s personal support team, including former Prema race engineer Pedro Matos and mental coach Emma Murray, also took on greater responsibilities.
The change suggested that Piastri was gradually moving towards a different management arrangement as his Formula 1 experience increased.
In their statement, the two parties confirmed that they had mutually agreed to terminate their management agreement.
Webber explained that their reduced trackside involvement during the season made this an appropriate moment to bring the relationship to an end.
He also indicated that the decision would allow Piastri to continue developing under a new management structure while he and Ann pursued other ventures.
Importantly, neither side publicly suggested that the split was the result of a personal disagreement.
PIASTRI RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER THE NEWS
Piastri responded to the announcement by thanking Mark and Ann Webber for their contribution to his career.
He acknowledged the importance of their guidance, particularly during the early stages of his journey towards Formula 1.
He said:
“I’d like to thank Mark and Ann for all their support and advice over the years. Their guidance has been invaluable, particularly in navigating the beginning of my F1 career. I wish them all the best going forward.”
Webber also released a statement reflecting on their time together.
He explained that he and Ann were proud to have played an important role in Piastri’s development and helped him reach Formula 1 early enough to compete at the front of the grid.
He added that the end of the agreement would allow Piastri to build on his achievements with a new management structure.
The respectful tone of both statements suggests that the two parties want to move forward without turning the separation into a public controversy.
A DIFFICULT 2026 SEASON FOR PIASTRI
The timing of the announcement is particularly interesting because Piastri has experienced a challenging 2026 campaign.
After establishing himself as a serious championship contender last season, the Australian has struggled to maintain the same level of consistency.
His performances have been overshadowed by McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who has enjoyed a stronger campaign and secured another victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Piastri finished sixth at Interlagos, while Norris took the victory, extending the gap between the two McLaren drivers.
Piastri currently occupies seventh position in the Drivers’ Championship, sitting 94 points behind his teammate.
It represents a disappointing situation for a driver who entered the 2026 season with significant expectations following his impressive championship challenge in 2025.
Nevertheless, the management split should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of problems between Piastri and McLaren.
The official statements make clear that the agreement with Webber’s management team has ended, while Piastri remains committed to his racing career with the Woking-based outfit.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Attention will now turn towards the identity and structure of Piastri’s new management team.
The Australian has already established himself as a Grand Prix winner and one of McLaren’s most important long-term assets.
His current Formula 1 contract runs through the end of 2028, meaning there is still plenty of time for him to rebuild his momentum and challenge for more victories.
Having Webber involved in his career was particularly valuable during his early years, but Piastri is now a much more experienced driver.
He has competed against some of the biggest names in Formula 1, won multiple Grands Prix and experienced the pressure of fighting for a world championship.
The next stage of his career will require a different approach, and a new management structure could reflect those changing responsibilities.
For Webber, meanwhile, the separation marks the end of another significant chapter following his own successful racing career.
The Australian legend enjoyed nine Grand Prix victories and 42 podium finishes during his time in Formula 1 before moving into management and broadcasting.
ONE CHAPTER ENDS, ANOTHER BEGINS
There is no denying that Mark Webber played a significant role in Oscar Piastri’s journey to Formula 1.
From his junior championship victories to the controversial Alpine situation and eventual McLaren breakthrough, Webber was involved in several defining moments.
Now, after seven years, their professional partnership has officially come to an end.
The decision may have been expected behind the scenes, but its confirmation represents a major development for both Australians.
For Piastri, the focus will be on rebuilding his momentum, finding consistency and returning to the front of the grid.
For Webber, it is an opportunity to pursue new projects after helping guide another Australian talent into Formula 1.
One thing is certain: the relationship between Piastri and Webber will remain an important part of the McLaren driver’s story.
Seven years, three major junior championship achievements and a journey to Formula 1. Now, a new chapter begins. 🏎️🔥
