Mario Isola to step down as Pirelli motorsport boss

After nearly a decade as the face of Pirelli’s presence in the Formula 1 paddock, Mario Isola is preparing to hang up his motorsport headset.

Since 2017, Isola has been the steady hand guiding the Italian firm through the complexities of modern racing, but as the 2026 season dawns, a significant era of leadership is drawing to a close.

The 56-year-old Italian first stepped into the spotlight when he succeeded Paul Hembery as Formula 1 programme manager. His influence grew in 2021 when he was elevated to the position of overall motorsports director, overseeing the manufacturer’s entire competitive portfolio.

Now, after years of managing high-pressure tyre strategies and technical shifts, Isola is set to transition out of the company to pursue a new chapter in his career – reportedly as the CEO of ACI Sport, the sporting arm of the Italian automobile federation.

A New Chapter for the Italian Giant

To ensure continuity during this pivotal change, Pirelli has appointed Dario Marrafuschi as Isola’s successor. Marrafuschi is no stranger to the inner workings of the Milan-based company, having joined in 2008.

With a background that spans F1 research and development as well as leading the development of road tires, Marrafuschi brings a technical pedigree designed to maintain Pirelli's momentum.

In an official statement confirming the leadership change, the company detailed the timeline for the handover:

"Pirelli announces that, effective March 1st, Dario Marrafuschi will become head of Pirelli’s motorsport business unit replacing Mario Isola, who will provide support until July 1st to ensure a smooth and effective transition," Pirelli stated.

"Isola will then leave the company to pursue new professional challenges."

• Read also: Wet tyres, dry desert – Pirelli’s strangest F1 test yet heads to Bahrain

Marrafuschi will report to Giovanni Tronchetti Provera, Pirelli’s executive vice president of sustainability, new mobility, and motorsport.

As the paddock prepares for the future, the company took a moment to recognize the impact Isola had on the brand’s global racing identity.

"The company wishes to thank Mario Isola for the dedication and great passion with which he has contributed to the growth of the motorsport business unit over the years," the statement concluded.

While Isola’s departure marks the end of an influential stint at the helm, the foundation he built ensures that Marrafuschi inherits a department ready to tackle the evolving challenges of the racing world.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook