Montoya suggests Piastri, guided by Webber, is already exploring options beyond McLaren

Juan Pablo Montoya believes Oscar Piastri and his manager, Mark Webber, are already in talks with rival Formula 1 teams following a turbulent 2025 season at McLaren. The former driver warns that while Piastri's raw speed is undeniable, the internal dynamics and Webber's own past experiences could heavily influence the young Australian's next career move.

Why it matters:

Piastri's future is a pivotal storyline for F1's driver market. After coming agonizingly close to a title in 2025, his next decision will signal whether he believes McLaren is the right environment to achieve his championship ambitions or if a fresh start elsewhere is necessary. The involvement of Mark Webber, who has firsthand experience with intense intra-team rivalry at Red Bull, adds a significant strategic layer to the situation.

The details:

Montoya's comments stem from observing Piastri's challenging season, where an early championship lead evaporated amid a dip in form and resurgent performances from teammate Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

• Late-Season Resurgence: Montoya points to Piastri winning the final two races as proof his fundamental speed remains intact, attributing it to a "nothing to lose" mentality.
• Internal Friction: The season was marked by difficult team dynamics, including public disputes over team orders and on-track clashes with Norris, which Montoya describes as a "masterclass in psychological warfare" for the young driver.
• The Webber Factor: Montoya is convinced Webber, drawing from his own history as the "other" driver in a championship team, is proactively seeking alternatives. He stated, "I guarantee you that Oscar Piastri and Mark Webber are already talking to another F1 team."

Between the lines:

The core tension lies between public assurances and private maneuvers. While McLaren CEO Zak Brown confidently predicts multiple titles for Piastri with the team, Montoya suggests a disconnect behind the scenes. He speculates that Webber "isn't very happy with McLaren" and is dissatisfied with Piastri's development trajectory. However, Montoya also cautions that Webber must ensure his own past scars from his racing career do not negatively cloud the judgment for Piastri's future.

What's next:

Piastri enters a critical phase of his career. His contract situation and performance in the early part of the 2026 season will be intensely scrutinized. If McLaren cannot provide a car and team environment capable of sustaining a title challenge, the rumors of external talks will only intensify. Montoya's warning highlights that the decision will be a complex balance of speed, team harmony, and strategic management.