Why Webber missed out on protégé Piastri's first F1 win: 'Magic day for him'

He is always there - in the McLaren pit box, along with Piastri's family to cheer on his protégé. Webber was also present in Budapest. On Sunday, however, he made a trip to London to attend the E-Prix where his other protégé, Mitch Evans, had a successful weekend with two podium finishes. This meant that Piastri's manager was unable to witness his pupil's first victory in the premier class up close.

Webber missed victory Piastri, but shared in revelry

It did take anything away from the win, as it became clear when Webber - at Spa back in support of Piastri - exited McLaren's motorhome at the end of the day. While many people were already heading home, the people in the team's garage were still hard at work, judging by the sounds of an engine firing up in the pit box.

"A magic day for him," Webber stated as GPblog asked him about his pupil's victory. "A great day for all the work and effort he's put in, in conjunction with McLaren, of course. To have this win so early in his career is a testament to what we saw in the junior categories, and he's made his arrival in Formula 1 so far at a pretty high level level to say the least. So of course we're all very proud of him and as everyone in Australia is."

Webber on McLaren's team orders: "All been covered"

Piastri led for much of the race at the Hungaroring, but lost the lead after McLaren decided to undercut Piastri with Lando Norris to cover off Lewis Hamilton. As a result, the Briton ended up in front of Piastri, who pitted a lap later. Norris created a gap, but was instructed to let his teammate pass. A few laps before the end, he complied.

The moment - as well as McLaren's strategy - led to much discussion. Asked about what he thought of the situation, Webber seemed indifferent. "All been covered," he said. On Piastri's celebration, the former Red Bull Racing driver says it had no negative effect: "No, no. It was a great victory for him."

At the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, McLaren once again looked strong, especially after the second free practice on Friday. Webber therefore rates his protégé's chances high for the Belgian GP. "Solid, yes. Car looks good. It's been a quick all weekend. So we'll see what the weather does," Webber concluded.