P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Piastri makes major F1 change as Webber ‘steps back’
Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 star, has made a significant change to his inner circle by reportedly reducing Mark Webber’s role in his support team ahead of the 2026 championship.
Webber, the former Red Bull driver, has decided to step back from his trackside support role with Piastri, although he will continue to manage the 24-year-old alongside Ann Neal.
In a move to strengthen his support network, Piastri has brought in Pedro Matos, his PREMA race engineer from the championship-winning F2 season in 2021, to provide additional motorsport expertise during race weekends.
Matos is expected to work closely with Piastri for most, if not all, of the 24-race championship in 2026, marking a significant change in the Aussie driver’s team setup.
As the season-opening Australian Grand Prix approaches, it remains uncertain whether Webber will be present at Piastri’s side, with the focus shifting towards Piastri’s commercial and contractual matters under the management of Webber and Neal, while Matos enhances the technical support during races.
