Mark Webber has stepped back from his trackside support role for Oscar Piastri while remaining his manager, focusing instead on commercial matters ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Former F1 driver David Coulthard described the change as a natural development after Webber helped guide Piastri into McLaren. Piastri finished third in the 2025 drivers' championship behind Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
Australian Mark Webber announced adjustments to his involvement with Oscar Piastri's team prior to the 2026 Formula 1 season. He continues as Piastri's manager but has shifted away from trackside duties to prioritize commercial responsibilities. Webber and his wife Ann played a key role in securing Piastri's place on the F1 grid with McLaren rather than Alpine, navigating early career challenges including public debates over team strategies during title fights. McLaren's 'papaya rules' allowed Piastri and teammate Lando Norris to compete freely for the 2025 drivers' championship without crashing into each other. Norris secured the title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Piastri taking third place behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen. David Coulthard, speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, called the role shift inevitable. 'They got him into McLaren, helped him through the initial phase... and then got in the ring with him through what was a pretty public conversation,' Coulthard said. He noted that no manager can drive the car, emphasizing Piastri's need to handle races independently now. Coulthard added that Webber did not retire to attend all 24 grands prix holding Piastri's hand, viewing the change as a logical evolution with Webber and Ann still involved.
