End of an Era: Isola Departs Pirelli as Leadership Transition Underway

Mario Isola, the prominent figure leading Pirelli's motorsport division, will conclude his tenure with the Italian tire giant this July. His departure marks a significant leadership change, with Dario Marrafuschi stepping in to assume control of the role.

Formula 1

A major shake-up is coming to Pirelli's motorsport operations as Mario Isola prepares to exit his position as the division's head. The respected motorsport executive will step down in July, bringing an end to his time with the tire manufacturer.

Taking the reins from Isola will be Dario Marrafuschi, who has been tasked with inheriting the responsibilities of overseeing Pirelli's involvement in motorsport activities. The transition represents a notable changing of the guard for one of Formula 1's most crucial technical partners.

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technical Regulations

Art. 9.1

Art. C10.8.2

Art. C17.1.11

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Full Regulation Text

Technical Regulations

Article 9.1

FIA Source

Tyre Specifications

Chapter: Chapter IX - Tyres

In Simple Terms

Pirelli is F1's sole tyre supplier. Each driver gets a fixed allocation per weekend: typically 13 sets of slicks (across soft, medium, hard), plus wet weather tyres. Teams must strategically use their allocation across practice, qualifying, and the race.

Pirelli is sole official supplier
Fixed allocation per weekend
Three dry compounds: soft, medium, hard
Intermediate and wet also provided

Official FIA Text

Only tyres supplied by the official tyre supplier may be used. During a race weekend, each driver is allocated a specified number of dry weather tyre sets comprising soft, medium and hard compounds, plus intermediate and wet weather tyres.

pit strategytyre degradationcompound selectiontyresPirellicompoundssoftmedium

2026 Season Regulations

Technical Regulations

Article C10.8.2

FIA Source

Tyre Specification

Chapter: C10

In Simple Terms

The tyre supplier (Pirelli) decides what tyres F1 cars use, but they need FIA approval. These specifications can't be changed during the season unless the FIA deems it necessary for safety reasons. Think of it as a locked-in agreement to keep competition fair.

Tyre supplier determines specifications in agreement with the FIA
Specifications remain fixed throughout the season for competitive fairness
FIA has emergency authority to change tyres mid-season for safety reasons
Changes require Formula One Commission approval, except in safety situations

Official FIA Text

Tyre specifications determined by tyre supplier in agreement with FIA. Specification cannot change without Formula One Commission agreement, except FIA may change for safety reasons during season.

tyre specificationpirellityre supplierfia approvalsafety regulations

2026 Season Regulations

Technical Regulations

Article C17.1.11

FIA Source

Technical Partner

Chapter: C

In Simple Terms

A Technical Partner is a company or organization that works with an F1 team to provide technical support, expertise, or components for the car. This regulation defines what qualifies as an official technical partnership within F1 teams.

Technical Partners are officially recognized suppliers or collaborators that contribute technical expertise to F1 teams
These partnerships are formally defined and regulated under F1 technical regulations
Technical Partners may provide anything from engine components to aerodynamic development
The definition helps F1 maintain transparency about team structures and external technical support