Professor Mike Grandinetti (L) and Dario Marrafuschi (R) Pirelli Head of Research and Development Motorsport, but now Motorsports Boss. Photo was taken in 2017.
Formula 1 Hot News

Dario Marrafuschi Appointed New Head Of Pirelli Motorsport, Replacing Mario Isola (Update)

Andrew Maitland

(GMM) Mario Isola is stepping down as head of Pirelli’s motorsport division, with the Italian set to take up a new leadership role at ACI Sport from July 1.

Pirelli confirmed that Dario Marrafuschi will replace Isola as Head of the Motorsport Business Unit effective March 1. Marrafuschi, who joined Pirelli in 2008, has extensive Formula 1 research and development experience and most recently led the development of the company’s road car products.

Isola will remain with Pirelli until July 1 to ensure a smooth transition before departing “to pursue new professional challenges,” the company said in a statement, thanking him for his “dedication and great passion” in developing the motorsport division.

Mario Isola, Pirelli technical director, during the Winter testing days 1, Formula 1 World championship 2026 Bahrain 11-13 February 2026
Mario Isola, Pirelli technical director, during the Winter testing days 1, Formula 1 World championship 2026 Bahrain 11-13 February 2026

Sky Italia is now reporting that Isola’s next move will be to become general manager of ACI Sport, the official governing body for motorsport in Italy.

ACI president Geronimo La Russa welcomed the appointment, calling it “very important news for the entire motorsport sector” and describing Isola as a “top player” who will help shape a new direction for Italian motorsport.

Isola spent three decades at Pirelli and became one of the most recognizable figures in the Formula 1 paddock during the company’s ongoing tenure as sole tire supplier.

February 26, 2026 

Pirelli announced today that, effective March 1st, Dario Marrafuschi (pictured on right in 2017) 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. Isola will then leave the company to pursue new professional challenges.

Marrafuschi, who joined the company in 2008, has extensive experience in Formula 1 in the Research and Development area and in recent years, has headed the development of Pirelli’s road products. Like Isola, Marrafuschi will report to Giovanni Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice President of Sustainability, New Mobility & Motorsport.

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.