Mark Webber reportedly no longer allowed in McLaren hospitality

Webber’s McLaren role under scrutiny

Oscar Piastri’s management structure has become a fresh talking point in the Formula 1 paddock, with journalist Jack Martens claiming that Mark Webber is now effectively unwelcome inside McLaren’s F1 motorhome.

The shift first emerged during testing, when Piastri’s camp adjusted its setup. Webber, long associated with the Australian’s career management, moved into a more business-focused role, while former F2 engineer Pedro Matos was brought in to support Piastri during race weekends.

Piastri has explained the change as part of his own development as a Formula 1 driver. Having made his 75th race start at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix last weekend, he indicated he is no longer as dependent on Webber’s trackside presence because he now has greater experience in the championship.

Claims of tension behind the scenes

Martens, speaking on the Paddock Access podcast, suggested the reshuffle may have followed a strained period between Webber and McLaren management. According to his account, tensions were linked to controversial team decisions that went against Piastri last year.

Piastri has consistently maintained that McLaren treated him fairly. Martens, however, claimed Webber viewed the situation differently and became involved in disputes with senior figures at the team.

“I think he’s not allowed in the McLaren hospitality. McLaren don’t want him around Oscar Piastri anymore at the track,” Martens said.

The suggestion adds another layer to McLaren’s already intense competitive environment, particularly with Piastri’s profile continuing to rise. For more on recent Piastri-related controversy, read our report on his reaction to the FIA’s Monaco decision: Piastri ‘mind-blown’ by FIA’s murky Gasly Monaco podium reversal.

Red Bull link raises the stakes

Martens also claimed that Webber has held talks with Red Bull, his former team, regarding Piastri potentially replacing Max Verstappen. He framed the discussions not as interest in a second seat alongside Verstappen, but as a possible move if Verstappen were to leave.

“On the top of the list [at Red Bull] is Oscar Piastri’s name,” Martens said. “They’ve already spoken with each other.”

The claim comes amid suggestions that a performance-related exit clause could become relevant this summer, with Verstappen considering his future. F1 Oversteer has contacted McLaren for comment.

For Piastri, the wider question is no longer simply whether he needs Webber trackside at McLaren. It is whether his evolving management structure now places him at the centre of one of the paddock’s most politically sensitive driver-market stories.