McLaren put ‘pressure’ on Oscar Piastri to change his management before 2026 F1 season

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Oscar Piastri has reshuffled his management ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, and a fresh report claims that McLaren may have instigated the change.

Piastri has reunited with Pedro Matos, who was his engineer in the junior categories. Mark Webber remains part of his camp but will focus more on the driver’s commercial partnerships.

It is said that Piastri’s decision reflects a change in his approach. He has praised Webber’s coaching, explaining how the former Red Bull driver has imparted the lessons he learned in his own career.

What do you make of Oscar Piastri’s management reshuffle?

His former engineer Pedro Matos will focus on racing

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But Piastri struggled on low-grip circuits last year, one of the main factors behind his title-deciding loss of form in the final third of the season. He may view his main weaknesses as technical rather than psychological.

McLaren played a role in Oscar Piastri management reshuffle

However, F1-Insider put forward a different view of the situation. They say Piastri’s new direction ‘was not entirely voluntary’.

One source told the publication that McLaren exerted ‘pressure’ after ‘tensions’ with the driver’s camp last year. The relationship was more ‘turbulent’ than it appeared from the outside.

Did Oscar Piastri just end the debate over McLaren’s papaya rules?

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There was a feeling that Webber was letting his own experiences, above all his title battle with Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull, unduly shape his advice to Piastri.

Piastri says McLaren treated him fairly last season when he fought teammate Lando Norris for the world championship, shutting down any external accusations of bias.

F1Oversteer has contacted McLaren for comment.

McLaren’s papaya rules are changing for 2026

David Coulthard has backed Piastri to beat Norris this season at the fourth attempt. He expects another step forward from the 2023 debutant.

Piastri says McLaren will make some adjustments to their controversial ‘papaya rules’, having learned from last season’s debacles. The fundamental racing philosophy will remain the same.

Christian Horner says Piastri will channel his 2025 hurt into motivation, while Norris has indicated that he could retire happy after winning a world championship.

Norris’ success last year should improve his confidence, but it may be that Piastri drives with greater desperation this year; one can debate whether that’s an advantage.