Updated ,first published
Australian Oscar Piastri has split from his management team, led by former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber and his wife Ann, after a challenging 2026 season on the track.
Piastri and Webber released a joint statement on Monday evening, confirming the agreement to separate was a mutual decision.
“We are proud to have played a pivotal role in the formative years of Oscar’s career and to have placed him in F1 so that he could compete at the front so early on,” Mark Webber said in the statement.
“Following our reduced trackside involvement this season, we have collectively agreed that now is an appropriate time to bring our management agreement to a close.
“This will allow Oscar to build on his achievements under a new management structure, and for us to embark on our new ventures. We wish Oscar all the very best for a long and successful career.”
Piastri also released a statement, thanking the Webbers – who have been working with him since 2019.
“I’d like to thank Mark and Ann for all their support and advice over the years,” he said.
“Their guidance has been invaluable, particularly in navigating the beginning of my F1 career. I wish them all the best going forward.”
The Webbers guided Piastri through major milestones in his career, including his Formula 2 and Formula 3 championship victories in successive years.
It’s been a challenging season for McLaren star Piastri. The Australian driver hasn’t won a race in more than a year – in a 2026 F1 season marred by poor luck, errors and reduced pace.
Piastri crashed out of his home grand prix in Melbourne in March falling victim to an unfortunate combination of cold tyres, torque spike and driver error. Then there were electrical issues in Shanghai, which saw his McLaren unceremoniously towed from the grid before the formation lap.
There have been glimpses of a potential resurrection, with a podium finish in Miami and Japan and a close call in Austria.
However, F1’s new regulations and changed cars have completely changed the landscape for his team McLaren and Piastri was unable to realistically fight for the championship – which was won last week by 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli, of Italy.
Piastri’s McLaren teammate Lando Norris has clinched three victories this year, including a recent triumph at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
In July Webber dismissed lingering reports suggesting Piastri might swap places with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Verstappen ended up signing another contract with Red Bull and Piastri remains contracted with the papaya team.
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Hannah Kennelly is an award-winning sports reporter and Formula 1 writer at The Age.Connect via email.
