Oscar Piastri has officially ended his management relationship with former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber, bringing an important chapter of his career to a close as the McLaren star prepares for a new direction. The Australian driver and the management team led by Webber and his wife, Ann, have mutually agreed to terminate their agreement after working together since 2019.
The announcement marks a significant change for Piastri, who relied on Webber’s experience and guidance while progressing through the junior categories and establishing himself in Formula 1. Webber, a nine-time Grand Prix winner and former Red Bull driver, played an important role in guiding his compatriot towards the sport’s highest level. He was also a familiar presence in the paddock, regularly supporting Piastri during race weekends.
Although Webber had already reduced his trackside involvement, he remained Piastri’s manager until the latest announcement. Both sides have now confirmed that the separation is mutual, with Piastri expressing gratitude for the support he received during the formative years of his career. The timing is particularly interesting because the decision comes during a challenging 2026 campaign, following Piastri’s unsuccessful attempt to defend his position against teammate Lando Norris.
OSCAR PIASTRI CONFIRMS END OF SEVEN-YEAR MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP
Piastri publicly acknowledged the contribution made by Webber and Ann throughout their professional relationship, making it clear that he appreciates the role they played in helping him reach Formula 1.
The McLaren driver said their guidance had been invaluable, particularly while navigating the early stages of his career. He also wished the pair well as they move towards new ventures.
Webber’s statement reflected a similarly positive tone. He explained that the management team was proud to have played an important role in Piastri’s development and in securing his opportunity to compete in Formula 1.
According to Webber, the decision followed their reduced trackside involvement during the 2026 season. Both parties agreed that the timing was appropriate for Piastri to move forward under a different management structure.
The language used by both sides suggests a professional separation rather than a public dispute. Neither statement indicated a disagreement or personal conflict, and there is currently no confirmed suggestion that the split was caused by Piastri’s disappointing results this season.
Nevertheless, ending a management relationship that has lasted approximately seven years represents a major transition for a driver whose career has been closely associated with Webber’s guidance.
MARK WEBBER’S ROLE IN BUILDING PIASTRI’S FORMULA 1 CAREER
Webber was more than a familiar face accompanying Piastri around the paddock. His experience as a former Formula 1 driver gave him valuable insight into the challenges of navigating the sport, negotiating opportunities and building a long-term career.
After competing at the highest level with teams including Red Bull, Webber understood the pressures associated with driving for major Formula 1 organisations. He could also draw on his own experiences when advising a young Australian driver attempting to establish himself among the world’s best racing talents.
Piastri’s journey through the junior categories was impressive. His achievements helped establish him as one of the most highly rated prospects of his generation, and his eventual arrival in Formula 1 generated considerable attention.
Webber and Ann were central figures in the management structure supporting that journey. Their involvement extended beyond simply representing Piastri, with the objective of helping him secure the right opportunities and prepare for the demands of an increasingly competitive environment.
Their influence became especially visible during the negotiations surrounding Piastri’s move to McLaren in 2023. The situation attracted significant attention after Alpine and McLaren became involved in a dispute over his contractual position.
Piastri eventually secured his place at McLaren, where he developed into a Grand Prix winner and a serious championship contender. While his talent and performances were ultimately responsible for his success, the management team played an important part in navigating the complicated business side of Formula 1.
PIASTRI’S 2026 STRUGGLES ADD ANOTHER DIMENSION TO THE TIMING
The management split arrives during one of the most difficult periods of Piastri’s Formula 1 career.
After losing the 2025 championship battle to teammate Lando Norris, Piastri entered the 2026 campaign with expectations of challenging for another title. However, his performances have fallen significantly behind those of the reigning champion.
The figures in the latest report highlight the difference. Piastri has collected 152 points, while Norris has accumulated 246. That leaves the Australian 94 points behind his teammate.
Norris has also secured three victories this season, including his latest triumph at the São Paulo Grand Prix. His ability to maintain strong performances has further strengthened his position within McLaren.
For Piastri, the situation represents a major challenge. He demonstrated during the previous campaign that he has the speed and ability to compete for the biggest prizes, but repeating that level of performance has proved difficult.
It is important not to assume that the management separation is a direct response to his results. Both parties have described the decision as mutual and linked it to the natural evolution of their professional arrangements.
However, the timing means Piastri will be making important adjustments both on and off the track as he looks to recover his strongest form.
PEDRO MATOS AND EMMA MURRAY ALREADY PLAY IMPORTANT ROLES
Piastri has not been without additional support during the current season. His personal team has already undergone changes, with former Prema Formula 2 race engineer Pedro Matos joining him at the track.
Australian mental coach Emma Murray has also become part of his support structure.
These appointments indicate that Piastri has been working with a broader group of professionals to manage the different demands of his Formula 1 career.
The presence of Matos is particularly interesting because the pair previously worked together during Piastri’s successful Formula 2 campaign. That familiarity could be valuable when dealing with technical feedback, preparation and the pressures of race weekends.
Murray’s involvement offers another form of support, focusing on the mental demands of elite competition. Formula 1 drivers face intense scrutiny, constant travel and the pressure of delivering results in a highly competitive environment.
However, the latest announcement does not confirm who will take over all the responsibilities previously handled by Webber and Ann. Piastri’s new management structure will need to provide the commercial, contractual and career-planning support required to guide him through the next stage of his development.
COULD THE MANAGEMENT CHANGE HELP PIASTRI RESET HIS CAREER?
A change in management does not automatically translate into improved performance, but it can provide an opportunity to reassess priorities and establish a different working structure.
Piastri is still young enough to build a long and successful Formula 1 career. His performances in previous seasons have already demonstrated that he has the ability to challenge established competitors, and one difficult campaign does not erase those achievements.
The next stage will involve understanding why his 2026 season has been less successful than expected. Whether the difficulties are connected to car characteristics, consistency, confidence, development direction or other factors, McLaren and Piastri will need to identify the areas requiring improvement.
A new management arrangement could also give him an opportunity to take greater control over how his career is organised. As drivers become established, their professional needs often change. Responsibilities that were essential during their junior careers may need to be adjusted as they become recognised Formula 1 stars.
The most important thing is that the new structure supports his ambitions without creating unnecessary distractions.
Piastri’s future at McLaren will remain a major talking point, especially with Norris currently enjoying the stronger campaign. However, there is no indication from the announcement that Piastri is preparing to leave the team.
WHAT MARK WEBBER’S DEPARTURE MEANS FOR McLAREN
Although Webber’s management relationship with Piastri has ended, the decision does not directly affect McLaren’s driver line-up or the team’s immediate racing operations.
Piastri remains a McLaren driver, and his future performances will be determined by his ability to work with the team and maximise the opportunities available to him.
Nevertheless, the separation removes a familiar figure from his professional support structure. Webber’s understanding of Formula 1 and his experience dealing with teams, sponsors and senior figures made him an influential presence throughout Piastri’s development.
McLaren will also be watching how the transition unfolds. The team has invested heavily in both drivers and currently has a championship-winning Norris alongside a Piastri who has already demonstrated considerable potential.
Maintaining a competitive and stable driver partnership will be important as McLaren continues its efforts to remain at the front of the grid.
For Piastri, the priority must be rediscovering the consistency that made him a championship contender. His management arrangements may change, but the expectations surrounding his performances will remain.
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS FOR OSCAR PIASTRI
The end of Piastri’s partnership with Mark and Ann Webber represents a significant turning point in the Australian’s career. The management team helped guide him through the early stages of his journey, supported his rise through the junior categories and played an important role in securing his place in Formula 1.
Now, both sides are moving forward separately.
Webber leaves with a strong record of involvement in Piastri’s development, while the McLaren driver must establish a new management structure capable of supporting his ambitions for the coming years.
The timing will naturally attract attention because of Piastri’s difficult 2026 season and the growing gap between him and Norris. However, the separation should not automatically be interpreted as a crisis or evidence of a falling-out.
Instead, it represents a major professional transition at a moment when Piastri needs to focus on rebuilding his momentum.
His talent has never been seriously in doubt. The bigger question is whether he can turn that potential into consistent results again and re-establish himself as a genuine threat to Norris and the rest of the Formula 1 field.
With a new management chapter beginning, Piastri now faces an important period in determining the direction of his career beyond the 2026 season.
