Contrary to reports suggesting a split from his manager Mark Webber, Australian Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri has bolstered his team ahead of the 2026 season by adding experienced personnel to his support structure. This development aims to improve his competitive edge following a challenging 2025 campaign.
Reuniting with Trusted Engineer Pedro Matos
Piastri has brought Portuguese engineer Pedro Matos into his personal team. Matos previously worked closely with the driver during his junior racing years at Prema, supporting him in British F4 in 2017 and during his FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 title-winning seasons in 2020 and 2021. The engineer recently left Prema amid management changes and is highly respected in motorsport circles.
Role Within McLaren and Team Setup Remains Stable
While Tom Stallard retains his position as Piastri’s race engineer at McLaren, Matos will join as an additional technical resource. His role focuses on data analysis and race preparation, acting as a supplementary advisor through the race weekends. This setup is designed to enhance Piastri’s performance without disrupting existing team dynamics.
Addressing Past Season Challenges and Future Strategy
The addition of Matos follows a disappointing end to Piastri’s 2025 title challenge, where minor mistakes and off-track controversies affected his final standings. Piastri’s management, including Webber and Anne Neal, remains intact, with Matos’s arrival allowing them to concentrate on strategic and contractual matters.
Expanding Performance Support Beyond Engineering
In addition to technical staff, Piastri is reportedly collaborating more closely with Australian performance coach Emma Murray, who is expected to accompany him at more events during the upcoming season. This personalized support approach aligns with the methods of rivals such as Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso, who also rely on dedicated advisers outside their core teams.
Implications for Piastri’s 2026 Campaign
By strengthening his team with experienced figures like Matos and Murray, Oscar Piastri aims to refine his race preparation and mental performance, both critical factors for success in Formula 1. This comprehensive support system positions him to be more competitive as the 2026 season unfolds.
