AutoAction
FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE SIGN UP

MARK WEBBER TO MENTOR AUSTRALIAN RISING STAR OSCAR PIASTRI

Mark Webber to mentor Australian rising star Oscar Piastri - Photo: Supplied

By Bruce Williams

Mark Webber to mentor Australian rising star Oscar Piastri - Photo: Supplied

Mark Webber to mentor Australian rising star Oscar Piastri – Photo: Supplied

Former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber will mentor fellow Australian Oscar Piastri as he pursues a career in the world’s premier motorsport category.

By HEATH McALPINE

Jam Sports Management, an agency co-founded by Webber, wife and manager Ann alongside respected sports and corporate CEO Jason Allen have signed the 18-year-old Piastri to a contract as he enters his first season FIA Formula 3 this year.

Webber will guide Piastri on and off the racetrack, whilst also representing the UK-based driver’s in teams and manufacturer discussions. Ann Webber and Allen will focus their energies on Piastri’s commercial opportunities.

“Oscar is an impressive young man. I’ve enjoyed watching him continue his education and do the normal things kids his age do while dovetailing it with his racing – the level of self-discipline and dedication he has shown is admirable,” Webber said.

“What Oscar managed to do last year in Formula Renault was also pretty special, how he took control of the championship and closed the title out.

“He’s got that white line fever when he puts his helmet on and turns into a different character, which is sensational.”

Piastri’s signing to the Renault Sport Academy, which provides critical support for young drivers with the goal of becoming the French manufacturers’ next World Drivers’ Champion. It comes off the back of winning the highly competitive Formula Renault Eurocup title last year.

Webber aided in his entrance into the program and believes the Australian is an exciting prospect for motorsport down under.

“Oscar is in a great position with Renault, they are investing in him, they believe he’s a horse worth backing and keeping a tight eye on, and that’s exciting for him and Australian motorsport,” he said.

“He’s trying to get to an extremely tough category in Formula 1, and he knows what’s ahead of him, but Renault and ourselves know Oscar is an incredibly confident young lad, and we think he can do great things.”

Piastri is pleased to have Webber in his support camp as he continues to climb the motorsport ladder.

“I’m excited to start working with Mark and Ann; I think everyone in Australia knows who Mark Webber is and he’s a pretty big name to have on my side,” Piastri said.

“Mark’s been through Formula 1, LMP1, and other categories through the years, so he has the experience that I’m sure if I have any issues, he will be able to steer me in the right direction or to the right people in the paddock.

“It doesn’t change how I go racing; my goals are still the same; it’s just that I’ve got outstanding people in my corner now.”

His first round of the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship season will be in Bahrain on March 20-22.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media FacebookTwitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.