Oscar Piastri’s manager gives verdict on F1 star’s future amid rumours he could join rival team

Former F1 star Mark Webber says the future is very bright for client Oscar Piastri amid rumours of a potential exit from McLaren.

The young Australian enjoyed a breakout year in 2025 as he emerged as a world title contender and led the championship for a significant portion of the season.

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Piastri secured seven Grand Prix wins and finished on the podium 14 times through the first 16 rounds.

Unfortunately, a series of mistakes and poor results late in the season cost him the lead.

In Abu Dhabi, he dropped to third in the standings, finishing 13 points behind teammate Lando Norris, who went on to win the Driver’s Championship.

Despite the late heartbreak, the season solidified suggestions that Piastri would be a world champion in the future.

Bounced back in 2026

But the 24-year-old has experienced a challenging start to the season, failing to finish his first two races, including a crash in Australia and technical issues in China.

However, he has immediately turned his form around, securing back-to-back podiums in Japan and Miami.

His manager, former Formula 1 driver and Porsche ambassador Webber, spoke to talkSPORT at the Formula E Berlin E-Prix about Piastri’s career trajectory.

Webber said: “Oscar always had great pedigree and his progression has been special, especially that run of results at the end of 2024 into 2025, in terms of consistency.

“It’s one thing being in the middle of Formula 1, but to be on the sharp end week in, week out is a different kettle of fish.

“It’s a real credit to him and of course McLaren. It takes two to tango, you need a quick car as well. But his trajectory has been very, very special.

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“You have to keep evolving as a driver and he knows that. The future looks very good for him and I’m excited.”

Red Bull connection

The ex-Red Bull pilot has been rarely present this season trackside and the Mclaren driver has worked closely with Pedro Matos, his former Formula 2 engineer at Prema racing.

Despite Piastri’s recent podiums, rumours suggest Webber has been scouting alternative seats.

According to Autosport, Red Bull are planning to replace Max Verstappen with Piastri, should the Dutchman decide to leave.

These reports gained traction during the Miami Grand Prix after several paddock sources confirmed the links.

While Red Bull remains adamant that the four-time champion is staying until his contract ends in 2027, the history of the sport suggests that contracts are often merely an obstacle.

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The tension may be fuelled by McLaren’s recent recruitment of Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who is set to join the McLaren after 2027.

With Piastri currently contracted at Woking until 2027, the battle for his signature could become the defining story of the season.