Huge change to Webber's role with Piastri

A huge change to Oscar Piastri’s inner circle has been confirmed with Mark Webber taking a step back from his duties with the young star.

The former F1 star, who raced with Red Bull for seven years before retiring, has been a constant presence in Piastri’s career since he stepped up to F1 in 2023.

Webber was the brains behind Piastri’s acrimonious defection from Alpine to McLaren which also saw him oust compatriot Daniel Ricciardo from his seat with the papaya outfit.

Heading into his fourth season in F1, Piastri has added Pedro Matos to his close circle.

Matos was the Australian’s race engineer from his title-winning F2 season in 2021.

According to Planet F1, Matos will take on the day-to-day role Webber has occupied with the ex-driver and his partner Ann Neal set to take care of “commercial and contractual matters”.

It means Webber will not attend every race as he has done in previous seasons.

Piastri goes into 2026 looking to right the wrongs of last year.

Having led the drivers championship by a considerable margin, a series of setbacks, team orders and poor results saw him slip down the pecking order to eventually finish third behind Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

Webber was subjected to intense scrutiny in 2025 with Ralf Schumacher accusing him of mishandling the rumoured McLaren preferential treatment between drivers.

“A manager has to actively step up and say 'Look, guys, the problem isn't with the team,” Schumacher said in October as Piastri season spiralled.

“The car suits Lando better at the moment, Oscar needs some time. Both receive equal support.' But Webber prefers to be on the phone and wave things off, which is a shame.

“For Webber, it's a nightmare scenario. He himself lost the World Championship in the final stretch in 2010 against his teammate Sebastian Vettel, Ralf said. "For him, it's deja vu - something he doesn't want at all.

“But it seems he lacks the necessary distance and maturity to recognise what he needs to do for the team and his driver. And he also lacks the necessary fairness towards Lando Norris.”