Isola says goodbye to the F1 paddock following the Miami finale.
Mario Isola has bid an emotional farewell to Formula 1 following his final race weekend in Miami. The long-time Pirelli representative, who is transitioning to a senior position with ACI Sport, reflected on his departure after more than ten years as one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.
"I’m very happy because many people in the paddock approached me and expressed that I’ve contributed positively to Formula 1 and that they will miss me," he told Sky Deutschland. "I have a new challenge ahead, which I’m eager to take on. However, leaving my second family behind here is tough for me. Sometimes, you have to make difficult decisions in life."
Isola has been in charge of Pirelli’s role as the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula 1 since 2011, a timeframe that has included significant regulatory changes and numerous controversies. Reflecting on his time, he mentioned that selecting a defining moment was quite challenging.
"There were over 330 races, making it really tough to choose just one," he stated. "The first race in Melbourne in 2011—at the end of that race, we were all crying with emotion. Then there was the race involving Jules Bianchi's accident, which was tragic. Also, the recent races with the Italian driver on the podium and the national anthem were very special."
He also shared a sense of regret. "It’s unfortunate that I didn’t get to witness Ferrari’s World Championship title," Isola noted. "I had hoped it would happen during my time. Hopefully, it will come to pass in the future."
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Isola says goodbye to the F1 paddock following the Miami finale.
Formula 1 | Mario Isola has bid an emotional farewell to Formula 1 following his last race weekend in Miami. The veteran Pirelli representative, who is departing to (…)