Webber Vows to Reinvigorate Piastri After Tough Brazil GP
Oscar Piastri faced another tough weekend at the São Paulo Grand Prix, leading his manager Mark Webber to vow to 'turn around' the young McLaren driver. After a penalty dropped him to fifth, Piastri is now 24 points behind teammate Lando Norris. Webber emphasizes mental strength and character development, aiming to reignite Piastri's championship challenge despite his early career success being 'unprecedented.'
Oscar Piastri endured a challenging São Paulo Grand Prix, but his manager, former F1 driver Mark Webber, is committed to getting him back into championship contention. After a promising start, Piastri's season has seen a late-season dip, with no podium finishes since Monza in early September.
Why it matters:
McLaren's strong season is a testament to both drivers, but Piastri's recent struggles, particularly in Brazil, highlight the immense pressure and rapid learning curve for a young talent in F1. Webber's intervention is crucial for Piastri's mental fortitude and performance as the season nears its end, especially with his teammate Lando Norris finding an extra gear.
The Details:
- Brazil Setback: Piastri was on course for a top-three finish at Interlagos but received a 10-second penalty for contact with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli at Turn 1. This dropped him from a potential second place to a frustrating fifth.
- Championship Gap: As a result of the penalty, Piastri is now 24 points behind Lando Norris in the Drivers' standings with only three races remaining.
- Webber's Mentorship: Mark Webber, a nine-time Grand Prix winner, is taking an active role in guiding Piastri, emphasizing the importance of character and mental resilience.
- Motivation Check: "We'll get him turned around," Webber told Channel 4. "I don't think he's low on motivation, put it that way."
- Mental Challenge: Webber highlighted that the current challenge is as much mental as physical, urging Piastri to "find that character to fight back" in what is only his third year in F1.
- Teammate Comparison: While Piastri showed strong pace earlier in the season, Norris has accelerated since a key suspension upgrade to the McLaren MCL39, creating a performance gap.
- Early Success Acknowledged: Webber underscored Piastri's significant achievements so early in his career, noting that fighting for a world title in his third year is "pretty unprecedented," a feat rarely seen since Lewis Hamilton.
- Pressure Management: Webber admitted the situation is demanding and aims to help Piastri understand the boundaries without adding undue pressure.
- Experience vs. Youth: Drawing on his own late-career title challenge, Webber highlighted the different nuances of Piastri's early-career title bid, emphasizing the need for support and encouragement.
What's next:
With the Las Vegas Grand Prix approaching, Webber's focus is on maintaining Piastri's morale and drive. Despite the recent challenges, Piastri's championship charge, though "unprecedented" in its early timing, is far from over. Webber is determined to see the young Australian battling hard under the bright lights of Vegas, emphasizing grit and resilience over glamour in the tightening title fight.