Mario Isola will leave Pirelli

Rumours in the Italian press suggest that Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Head of Motorsport, will depart the company in the upcoming months.

Mario is widely regarded as one of the most positive and respected figures in the paddock. During the Covid-19 period, he earned widespread admiration by volunteering as an ambulance driver, while in his official role at Pirelli he has always been open and accessible to the media.

Reports published by Italian media suggest that internal personnel changes at Pirelli have raised questions about Isola’s role and future prospects, prompting him to consider alternative opportunities.

Following speculation about a possible move, Italy’s national automobile club, ACI, reportedly offered Isola a senior position within its sporting structure, an offer that Mario has accepted.

At present, no successor has been appointed at Pirelli, but expectations are that the company will promote a replacement from within its existing ranks.

It should be noted that Mario Isola joined Pirelli in 1996 as a test driver and designer for road tyres in the research and development department. From 2003 onwards, he led tyre development for Rally and GT racing.

When Pirelli became Formula 1’s sole tyre supplier in 2011, Isola was appointed racing manager. In March 2017, following Paul Hembery’s move to a different role, he was named Pirelli’s Motorsport Director.