![\"Webber](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/XPB_1260783_HiRes.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMark Webber has opened up on how he helped guide Oscar Piastri in the early parts of his career. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMark Webber has opened up on how he helped guide Oscar Piastri in the early parts of his career. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The nine-time grand prix winner reflected on his relationship with Piastri during an appearance on the Straight Talk with Mark Bouris podcast, explaining how his experiences at the highest level have given him a bank of knowledge to pass on.<\/p>\n
Webber, who turns 50 on Thursday, used the conversation to look back on his career, the people he encountered along the way and the importance he now places on sharing some of what he learned.<\/p>\n
Asked about his definition of success, Webber pointed towards longevity and the discipline required to remain at an elite level before highlighting the responsibility that can follow.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first two or three years in your career, they\u2019re the hardest. I think in most sports, because if you can get through those first two or three years at that elite level, then you\u2019re sort of like it\u2019s not getting easier, but you\u2019ve sort of broken your way through,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always look at people that have a long career in anything. That\u2019s speaks volumes to their standards and their discipline. And their success.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you need to share that. Give back a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
That philosophy has extended into his work with Piastri, who Webber has managed and mentored during his progression through the junior ranks and into Formula 1.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Webber played a central role in navigating Piastri\u2019s move from Alpine to McLaren before his F1 debut and has remained a significant figure around the Melbourne driver throughout his F1 career.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been so enjoyable to help guide him early in his career,\u201d Webber said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that it\u2019s hard to get that strategy piece right to get it. So to help Oscar in that early part of his career. And he\u2019s an immense talent, we know that.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo it\u2019s been enjoyable to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Webber said his value did not simply come from what he achieved himself, but also from the lessons absorbed while competing against and observing some of the biggest names in sport.<\/p>\n
He pointed to his experiences around Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton during his racing career, as well as time spent with figures from outside motorsport including Lance Armstrong and Maria Sharapova.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of my biggest lessons of course was getting done by the Schumachers, or seeing how Seb [Vettel] operated, or seeing how Lewis [Hamilton] operated,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve done cycling with Lance Armstrong. I\u2019ve hung out with Maria Sharapova. Phenomenal woman. What she\u2019s done. She\u2019s had her own controversies, but incredible how she goes about things.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo this snapshot of all this, and it\u2019s a melting pot of information. Just sort of go, these are the things which we can contribute towards and help you, and blend it all in.\u201d<\/p>\n
The relationship between Webber and Piastri has evolved as the McLaren driver has become more established in F1.<\/p>\n
Webber stepped back from being a regular trackside presence ahead of the 2026 season<\/a>, with former Piastri F2 engineer Pedro Matos and Australian performance coach Emma Murray joining his immediate race weekend support structure.<\/p>\n He remained Piastri\u2019s manager despite the reshuffle, with more of his attention shifting towards the commercial side of the Australian\u2019s career.<\/p>\n