
Webber launches staunch defence of Piastri after "awkward" saga
F1 News
Webber launches staunch defence of Piastri after "awkward" saga

Mark Webber has launched into a fierce defence of Oscar Piastri after the Australian's contract saga was finally closed.
The reigning F2 champion has risen through the ranks as part of the Alpine Academy, with the team arranging numerous private tests to prepare its reserve driver for a future F1 seat.
But team principal Otmar Szafnauer has consistently brought Piastri's integrity into question - though the findings of the CRB investigation have taken the sting out the accusations.
Piastri's manager Webber, who found success as a Red Bull driver in F1, defended his compatriot and provided a thorough timeline of the developments.
"The chronological situation was that Fernando [Alonso] was still there at the table," Webber told Channel 4.
"For us, the performance around Fernando for '23 and '24, it wasn't really a decision between the two at the time and obviously Oscar made the decision to go to McLaren."
On suggestions Piastri behaved inappropriately chasing the McLaren deal, especially his social media denial of Alpine's promotion, Webber replied: "His hand was forced.
"He knew he didn't have a contract, he knew he had already signed for another team and Alpine put out a statement saying he was going to drive for them next year.
"It was a pretty awkward statement for Oscar to put out. So of course he felt awkward about that but he had to put a hard line in the sand to make his position absolutely clear, and also, Alpine knew that position before the statement was put out which was more frustrating for Oscar."
Alpine announcement "tough" on Piastri
The tug-of-war denied Piastri a triumphant announcement that he had reached the pinnacle of motorsport, instead being forced to deny his big moment.
Webber has slated the events that have led to his client missing out on such an occasion, stating: "For him, it is the biggest moment of his life, to make the announcement you are going to join F1 after 12 years of hard work, going through all the junior categories - an electric young talent in terms of what he has been able to do in terms of his trophy cabinet.
"Then to have this sort of announcement that wasn't really correct was pretty tough on him."
Related news

F1 prodigy opens up about 'comfortable' Monza test outing

FIA cost cap aid DEMANDED by F1 rival after Aston Martin exception

Szafnauer HITS BACK at Alpine boss after performance ultimatum

Furious Alpine CEO launches 'AMATEURISH' rant at own team
Most read

F1 drivers' penalty points: Who is close to a ban?

Verstappen and Hamilton run each other OFF as Red Bull star left MOANING and Vettel returns to Aston Martin - GPFans F1 Recap

Leclerc drops BOMBSHELL over Ferrari contract talks

Button and F1 commentary team have on-air DISAGREEMENT over vital life question

'Insane' Hamilton PARTIES with A-listers amid Ferrari speculation as F1 heavyweight says he MUST MOVE to beat Verstappen - GPFans F1 Recap
F1 Standings

Races
-
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2023
-
Grand Prix of China 2023
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
-
Miami Grand Prix 2023
-
Qatar Airways Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
-
Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
-
Grand Prix of Spain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Canada 2023
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2023
-
Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
-
Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2023
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2023
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2023
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
-
Grand Prix of Brazil 2023
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media

7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860