| Age | 56 |
| Occupation | Motorsports Director |
| Company | Pirelli |
| Country | Italy |
| Position Last Year | Up |
When Formula 1 cars scream down the straights at over 300 km/h and battle through high-speed corners, one unsung hero plays a crucial role in keeping them on track—Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Head of Motorsport. With decades of experience behind the wheel and in the lab, Isola is in charge of developing the high-performance tyres that are central to F1’s drama and strategy.
Isola’s journey into motorsport began behind the wheel as a karting driver, competing against future racing stars. But fate took a turn during a Pirelli job interview, when he casually mentioned his racing background. That moment sparked a new chapter: he was hired as a test driver, blending his technical knowledge with first-hand racing insight.
He initially worked in Pirelli’s road car R&D department but soon gravitated toward motorsport—his true passion. His early work included tyre development for the FIA GT Championship and rallying, helping shape products that had to withstand some of the world’s most demanding conditions.
In 2011, Pirelli became the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula 1, and Mario Isola was tasked with leading the company’s single-seater programmes. Since then, he has become a central figure in F1, orchestrating tyre development that directly influences race strategies, overtaking opportunities, and even the sport’s sustainability goals.
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Isola’s responsibilities extend beyond F1. He also oversees tyre operations in feeder series like Formula 2 and Formula 3, where tomorrow’s stars hone their skills. His role ensures consistency across the ladder of talent, preparing young drivers for the unique tyre demands of F1.
Whether it’s managing the challenge of designing tyres for ever-evolving car designs or adapting to new regulations, Mario Isola is at the heart of the fast-paced world of Formula 1. His engineering acumen and racing experience make him a vital link between the sport’s technical and competitive sides—a driving force behind every tyre choice, pit stop, and podium finish.