Oscar Piastri’s future with Ferrari remains uncertain, as his manager and former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber emphasized the need for Piastri to continue his growth at McLaren before considering any team changes. Despite rumors linking Piastri to a possible switch to Ferrari, Webber highlighted that the Australian driver must focus on development and completing his current contract, which extends through 2026.
Since his F1 debut in 2023, Oscar Piastri has demonstrated remarkable composure and speed on the track, leading the championship this season ahead of his McLaren teammate Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. His strong performances earned him a multi-year contract extension with McLaren, keeping him at the Woking-based team until at least 2026, with a potential extension to 2028.
Clarification from Mark Webber on Piastri’s Team Prospects
Speculation about Piastri’s possible move to Ferrari, including talk of a driver swap involving Charles Leclerc, has circulated widely. Addressing these rumors, Mark Webber made it clear that Piastri’s immediate focus should remain with McLaren, prioritizing his racing development rather than jumping to a new team.
“For now, he must stay at McLaren. He must complete his development, and even if Ferrari remains a point of arrival, he must achieve the final result. In the meantime, it would be better if he improved his Italian… “
— Mark Webber, Manager and Former F1 Driver
At present, Piastri holds a strong championship position, leading Lando Norris by 25 points and trailing Max Verstappen by 69 points, with seven races and three Sprint events left in the 2025 calendar. This standing reflects his consistency and potential as he battles through the season’s critical stages.
Oscar Piastri Anticipates Growing Pressure as Season Winds Down
With the championship race intensifying, Piastri expressed readiness to face the mounting pressure in the closing stages of the 2025 season. He acknowledged the importance of his support network, including his manager Mark Webber, as he navigates the challenges ahead.
“The intensity will kind of naturally increase as we get closer to the end of the year, and I’m ready for that. I’ve been in this position before in other championships, and that kind of feeling and that countdown to the end of the year are the same. So I am ready for that.
“And I can lean on Mark, but it is ultimately down to how I manage it, how I drive, and how I cope with things which are going to be coming. But having an important team around you and a good group of people around you is very important to be able to lean on. Mark is certainly one of those people, and I’m excited to see how it goes.”
— Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Driver
Despite leading the points, Piastri has not secured a race win since the Dutch Grand Prix and recently suffered a disappointing weekend in Baku. This highlights the challenges he faces maintaining peak performance during a high-pressure championship battle.
Implications for Piastri’s Career and Ferrari’s Lineup
Mark Webber’s comments suggest that while Ferrari remains a potential destination for Oscar Piastri, the priority is his current development stage at McLaren. Completing his progression with the British team will be crucial before any transfer can materialize. Meanwhile, Piastri’s strong championship showing places him as a rising talent in F1, capable of challenging established stars like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in the seasons ahead.
As the 2025 season continues, attention will focus on how Piastri manages the growing intensity of his title campaign, his ability to rebound from setbacks, and the broader implications his performance may have on future team dynamics, especially concerning Ferrari’s driver lineup. His relationship with experienced figures such as Mark Webber will likely remain a key factor in his development and career decisions.
