McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has confirmed that Mark Webber will still be “very much involved” in his Formula 1 career despite travelling less with him over the 2026 season.
The former Red Bull Racing driver will attend fewer races this year, as Pedro Matos steps into a more visible role with Piastri. Matos previously worked with Piastri throughout his junior career. Particularly during the 24-year-old’s winning Formula 2 campaign.
Despite Webber’s limited appearances in 2026, the McLaren driver has rejected any suggestions of unrest. Piastri highlighted that the change was made proactively rather than reactively.
“There wasn’t anything specific that triggered it,” Piastri told media, including Motorsport Week.
“We just felt it was the right time to structure things a bit differently.”
Webber has managed Piastri throughout his rise to the top grade of motorsport. Notably, last season the Australian played a visible role in the paddock as Piastri fought for his first championship.
However, as the internal McLaren battle intensified between Piastri and team-mate Lando Norris, scrutiny around McLaren’s dynamics increased.
A large part of Piastri’s fanbase continues to believe the Australian was unfairly treated by the team. There were flashpoints throughout the season, which allowed for continued debate on how McLaren managed this intra-team battle.
Speculation began spreading that Webber’s outspoken defence of Piastri had strained relationships behind closed doors.
Though Piastri quickly shut down any rumours of conflict between himself, McLaren and Mark Webber.
“Mark is still very much involved, and I’ve been in contact with him a lot over the last few weeks,” Piastri clarified.
“He just won’t be trackside as much anymore. So that’s really the extent of it; there’s nothing specific that triggered it.”
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