Oscar Piastri will experience adjustments in his management structure for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season, as former driver Mark Webber reduces his presence at race weekends. Webber, who has long supported Piastri alongside his partner and manager Ann Neal, will now prioritize commercial duties instead of attending every Grand Prix.
New Support Role Filled by Former Engineer
To fill the gap left by Webber’s scaled-back involvement, Pedro Matos, Piastri’s race engineer from his 2021 Formula 2 campaign, will step in to provide closer race weekend support. This change aims to strengthen Piastri’s team as he prepares to build on a strong 2025, where he led the championship for several months before narrowly missing out on the title to teammate Lando Norris.
Pre-Season Performance Sets a Positive Tone
McLaren began the 2026 pre-season testing at Bahrain International Circuit strongly, with Norris posting the fastest time on the first day. Piastri was fifth, trailing Norris by less than a second, signaling promising pace as the season approaches. The team will be looking to capitalize on this momentum while adjusting their management strategies to support Piastri’s title ambitions.
Implications of Management Adjustments on Future Prospects
The revised management setup reflects a strategic decision to balance commercial focus with technical support, potentially enhancing Piastri’s performance consistency throughout the year. As the Australian driver aims to convert last year’s near success into a championship victory, the involvement of both experienced professionals and trusted engineers could prove crucial in navigating the challenges of the 2026 season.
“The Australian arrives into the 2026 season looking to make progress on what was a near miss in 2025, having ultimately lost the Drivers’ title after having led for many months during the campaign.” – Mark Webber, Former F1 Driver
