Oscar Piastri is emerging as the breakout force of the 2025 Formula 1 season, and it is clear he is not fighting this battle alone but has something of a secret weapon in his F1 title bid.
Backed by the experience and wisdom of his manager Mark Webber, Piastri now leads the world championship after his third win of the season at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. In just his third year in F1, the 24-year-old Australian is showing all the hallmarks of a true title contender — calmness, precision, and a relentless ability to learn quickly.
His performance has not gone unnoticed, especially by reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who acknowledged Piastri’s maturity after their wheel-to-wheel fight in Jeddah. Verstappen, who has dominated the sport for the past four seasons, now faces a genuine threat not only from Lando Norris, but increasingly from Norris’ McLaren teammate.
How Mark Webber is shaping Piastri title challenge
Speaking after race in Jeddah, Verstappen praised Piastri’s cool-headed approach and pointed to the influence of Webber as a major factor in the young driver’s rapid ascent.
Verstappen was clear in his belief that Piastri’s management has been a crucial advantage in his development. Comparing Webber’s role in Piastri’s career to the guidance he himself received from his father Jos.
“Last year was his [Piastri’s] second year,” Verstappen said after the Saudi Arabian GP. “Now he’s in his third year, and he’s very solid. He’s very calm in his approach, and I like that. It shows on track. He delivers when he has to, barely makes mistakes – and that’s what you need when you want to fight for a championship.”
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
Verstappen continued: “I think with Mark by his side, he’s helping him a lot. It’s great. People learn from their own careers – that’s what I had with my dad, and Mark is advising Oscar. At the end of the day, Oscar is using his talent, and that’s great to see.”
Webber, a nine-time Grand Prix winner who once led the championship himself, understands the fine margins that separate winning from losing in Formula 1. Since becoming Piastri’s manager in 2019 alongside his partner Ann, Webber has been instrumental in ensuring his protégé avoids the pitfalls that can derail a promising career.
After Piastri’s impressive victory in Bahrain earlier this season, Webber spoke on the F1 Nation podcast about his driver’s growing ability to match elite rivals like Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton.
“When you’re up against Max, Charles, Lando, Lewis… there’s some serious artillery there over one lap,” Webber said. “And to put it all together, we know how sensitive it is to execute these cars and tyres on Saturday. Because of the intelligence of the boy and understanding what he needs to improve, yeah. But as I say to him, you have the most experience the day you retire, so keep learning.”
A growing threat to Verstappen reign
Piastri’s victory in Saudi Arabia was not just about capitalising on Verstappen’s five-second penalty; it was a complete performance that showcased his growth under Webber’s mentorship. His racecraft, composure under pressure, and tire management were all on display.
There is a growing sense that Piastri’s best is yet to come. Verstappen, despite his own dominance in recent years, knows the danger signs when he sees them. In Piastri, he sees a rival who is steadily building the tools needed for a sustained championship fight — and with the steady hand of Webber guiding him, the Australian’s challenge is only gaining momentum.
In a championship battle that many expected to be between Verstappen and Norris, Oscar Piastri now stands firmly at the centre, armed with experience beyond his years and one of F1’s most seasoned minds in his corner.
