McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and his longtime manager, Mark Webber, have mutually agreed to end their professional management relationship.
The announcement followed the São Paulo Grand Prix, marking the conclusion of a partnership that began in 2019, according to Motorsport.com.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner shared his perspective on the split during an appearance on The Red Flags Podcast, noting that the development did not come as a surprise given Webber’s recent absence from the paddock, as reported on The Red Flags Podcast.
Steiner suggested that the dynamic between the pair shifted during the latter half of 2025 as Piastri’s title aspirations alongside teammate Lando Norris began to fade.
“The second half of the season last year, when Oscar, after he didn’t win the world championship, maybe Mark got a little bit involved too much,” Steiner stated in an interview with Yahoo Sports.
Steiner further explained that Piastri likely reached a point where he felt prepared to manage his own career path.
“And then at some stage, Oscar said, ‘OK, I’m now more experienced. I want to do this on my own,’” Steiner noted via Yahoo Sports.
Webber had already begun reducing his active role in the driver’s career earlier this year, notably ceasing his practice of attending races alongside the Australian driver.
Steiner observed that while the transition was intended to be a gradual step back, it may have been difficult for the former driver to remain on the sidelines.
“In the beginning, you say, ‘Hey, let’s be less around,’” Steiner remarked per Yahoo Sports.
Despite the separation, Steiner acknowledged the significant impact Webber had on the young driver’s professional trajectory.
“Some of his success is owed to Mark Webber, in my opinion,” Steiner concluded in his comments to Yahoo Sports.
Piastri, who currently sits seventh in the drivers’ championship with 152 points, continues his campaign with McLaren as the 2026 season nears its conclusion.