- Oscar Piastri has mutually parted ways with long-time managers Mark Webber and Ann Neal after seven years together.
- Webber played a pivotal role in Piastri’s Formula 1 career, including orchestrating his controversial 2023 switch from Alpine to McLaren.
- The separation follows reduced trackside involvement throughout 2026, with Piastri set to establish a new management structure.
Oscar Piastri has parted ways with long-time manager Mark Webber and his partner Ann Neal, bringing an end to a seven-year association which proved instrumental in the McLaren driver’s meteoric rise to Formula 1.
The Australian confirmed the separation on Monday, following the São Paulo Grand Prix, with both parties mutually agreeing to conclude their professional relationship.
The announcement marks a significant development in Piastri’s career, having been guided by Webber since 2019, when the former Red Bull driver recognised the youngster’s immense potential during his ascent through the junior categories.
Piastri acknowledged the considerable influence Webber and Neal had played in establishing his Formula 1 career, describing their guidance as “invaluable, particularly in navigating the beginning of my F1 career”.
Their partnership was particularly significant during the contractual controversy surrounding Piastri’s departure from Alpine in 2022.
Despite securing consecutive Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships, the Australian found himself without a race seat, with Alpine initially pursuing a potential loan arrangement with Williams.
However, Webber’s intervention ultimately facilitated Piastri’s sensational switch to McLaren for 2023, replacing compatriot Daniel Ricciardo in a move which stunned the Formula 1 paddock.
It proved a masterstroke, with Piastri securing podium finishes during his rookie campaign before claiming his maiden Grand Prix victories in 2024.
The Australian subsequently emerged as a genuine championship contender in 2025, narrowly missing out on the drivers’ crown following a fiercely contested battle with teammate Lando Norris.
A changing relationship
Despite their considerable success together, Webber’s involvement in Piastri’s career had become less prominent throughout 2026.
Having previously maintained a regular presence alongside the McLaren driver at Grands Prix, Webber and Neal transitioned towards a predominantly behind-the-scenes role.
Piastri described the change during pre-season testing as “just taking a bit of a step back, that’s all”.
The arrangement has now concluded entirely, with Webber confirming that the decision was mutually agreed upon.
“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,” Webber explained.
“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.”
The separation follows a period of heightened scrutiny surrounding McLaren’s management of its drivers, particularly during the contentious 2025 championship battle.
Webber had reportedly been frustrated by several decisions which appeared to disadvantage Piastri, although neither party has publicly attributed the separation to tensions with McLaren.
With Piastri already committed to a multi-year agreement with the Woking outfit, attention now turns towards the management structure which will oversee the next chapter of his career.
And while their professional association has reached its conclusion, Webber’s contribution to Piastri’s journey remains undeniable.
From navigating the complexities of Alpine’s contractual dispute to securing a competitive Formula 1 debut, the former Grand Prix winner played a defining role in transforming Australia’s most promising junior talent into an established championship contender.
