P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Oscar Piastri explains Mark Webber role in reshuffled F1 support network
Oscar Piastri has made changes to his Formula 1 support network for the 2026 season, with his manager Mark Webber taking a step back from his trackside role, while Ann Neal remains on the management team.
Petro Matos, Piastri’s former race engineer from his Formula 2 title-winning campaign, will now accompany Piastri trackside during F1 race weekends, further tightening their professional relationship.
Piastri, who had led the championship for 15 rounds in 2025, finished third in the standings following a series of disappointing performances in the latter half of the season.
Piastri explained that the decision for the restructuring was made over the winter to bring about a new dynamic, with Webber still actively involved but adopting a less visible trackside role.
Ralf Schumacher suggested that McLaren influenced Piastri’s decision to make changes, aiming to bring more stability to the young driver’s management structure amid pressure and rumors of strained relations between Webber and McLaren’s Zak Brown.
