F1 star Oscar Piastri makes major decision as shock split confirmed

McLaren star Oscar Piastri has confirmed he is splitting with long-time manager Mark Webber.

The 25-year-old from Melbourne had been managed by former F1 star Webber since 2019, but confirmed on Monday that the pair have mutually agreed to terminate their agreement.

The split comes after a season in which Webber was noticeably less present at race weekends. Since 2019, the former driver had been guiding Piastri through the ranks- from Formula Renault Eurocup to Formula 3, then Formula 2, and finally into the pinnacle of motorsport.

Piastri remains under contract with McLaren until the end of 2028, but it is not yet clear how he will manage his career moving forward.

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Mark Webber statement on Piastri split

In a statement released on Monday, Webber explained: "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.

"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 thanks Webbers for guidance and mentorship

Piastri meanwhile issued a statement which read: “I'd like to thank Mark and Ann [Webber, wife of Mark] for all their support and advice over the years.

“Their guidance has been invaluable, particularly in navigating the beginning of my F1 career. I wish them all the best going forward."

A challenging season for Oscar

This change behind the scenes coincides with a difficult year for Piastri on the track, especially compared to his teammate Lando Norris.

Piastri was leading the 2025 F1 title race at the summer break before fading in the final races of the season.

Since then he has really struggled, with the new 2026 cars not ideally suited to his style of driving.

Piastri is currently seventh in the Drivers' standings on 152 points - 94 behind team-mate Norris and a massive 238 behind newly-crowned world champion Kimi Antonelli.

Oscar's future at McLaren was the subject of much speculation during the summer, with his name mentioned in a possible swap deal for Max Verstappen before the Dutchman committed long-term to Red Bull.

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