Oscar Piastri restructures personal team as Mark Webber shifts to commercial focus
Piastri confirms Webber remains manager but new roles for Pedro Matos and Emma Murray signal a strategic pivot in his support structure
Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri has confirmed significant structural changes to his personal team ahead of the 2026 season. While Mark Webber retains his overall management role, the former champion has stepped back from direct trackside support to concentrate on commercial matters. This strategic adjustment marks a deliberate shift in how the 25-year-old is supported as he enters his fourth year in the championship.
During an appearance on the High Performance podcast, Piastri detailed the evolution of his dynamic with Webber. He noted that in his initial years, Webber frequently generated ideas and questions that had not previously entered Piastri's mind. As Piastri has accumulated experience, the nature of their collaboration has altered, with the driver now possessing independent answers to many queries that once required external prompting.
The restructuring also introduces new personnel to the team. Former Prema race engineer Pedro Matos, who worked with Piastri in Formula 2 during 2021, has joined the setup alongside Australian mental coach Emma Murray. These appointments complement Webber's transition, ensuring that operational and psychological support remains robust even as the manager focuses on business objectives.
Piastri explained that Webber's new remit involves managing complex situations and potential problems from behind the scenes. He suggested that this guidance has spared him from having to learn certain difficult lessons through trial and error. There are likely scenarios that have proceeded smoothly or where issues were resolved before they became apparent to the driver, a benefit attributed to Webber's extensive background in the sport.
The changes reflect a maturation of Piastri's career trajectory. With less need for direct racing-side intervention from his manager as he gains confidence, the team is reorganising to leverage Webber's commercial expertise while integrating specialist support for race engineering and mental performance. This approach allows Piastri to operate with greater autonomy on the track while benefiting from a broader safety net.
