Fabrizio Pilotti joined the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team as Chief Information Officer in July 2025. With nearly 30 years of experience in IT, Fabrizio brings deep expertise in software development, IT for financial services, and most recently, the high-performance world of Formula 1®. Before joining Aston Martin Aramco, he spent over a decade leading information technology at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, where he played a pivotal role in supporting the team’s competitive edge. Earlier in his career, he held positions across a range of sectors, including roles at Daimler and Deutsche Bank. As CIO at Aston Martin Aramco, Fabrizio is responsible for driving digital innovation, optimising IT infrastructure, and aligning technology strategy with the team’s performance goals on and off the track.
Recently in an exclusive interview with CIO Magazine, Fabrizio shared insights into how 30 years from software developer to F1 CIO taught him decisive, pressure-tested leadership, why AI will make Formula 1 more real-time and data-driven while enhancing not replacing engineers, and why aspiring motorsport tech leaders should stay calm, stay curious, and commit to the work with no shortcuts. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Fabrizio. Your career in high-performance motorsport technology spans over a decade. How did your earliest role in tech shape the way you approach engineering under extreme time pressure today?
“Hi! Yes, I’ve worked in the motorsport industry for over a decade now. Before joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team in 2024, I spent almost 11 years with Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains.
“My earliest role in technology was at Quark nearly 30 years ago, where I worked as a Senior Software Developer. While that may seem far removed from my role today as CIO of a Formula One team, many of the lessons I learned there still shape my day-to-day approach.
“There’s still a strong overlap when reviewing solutions for the team now – just at a faster pace. My early roles helped build the confidence to think on my feet, make decisions that are right for the business, and operate under the high-pressure environment of Formula One.
“That first role also helped develop my mentoring and teamwork skills. Supporting junior developers and collaborating effectively as a team remain hugely important parts of my role today.”
What do you love the most about your current role?
“Well, it’s an incredibly exciting time for the industry. Formula One is already a fast-paced environment, and the introduction of AI is bringing together two rapidly evolving worlds. Seeing these developments happen in real time is fascinating, and it constantly makes me think about the future possibilities for both the sport and the wider industry.”
What does the future of AI look like in Formula 1?
“The future of AI in Formula One is very exciting because it has the potential to transform how teams design, develop and operate cars. We’re moving towards a much more connected and data-driven environment, where AI can help engineers analyse large amounts of telemetry and performance data in near real-time, allowing teams to react faster and make more informed decisions under pressure.
“I think we’ll also see AI play a bigger role in the design process, helping teams explore more aerodynamic concepts, material combinations and performance set-ups far earlier in the development cycle. Over time, that could lead to cars becoming more adaptable to changing track conditions, with AI supporting quicker setup adjustments and faster iterations in the future.
“Beyond the car itself, AI will continue to shape manufacturing, simulations, supply chains and race strategy, helping streamline workflows and remove inefficiencies across the wider organisation. At the same time, the importance of high-performance computing and cloud infrastructure will only grow, because the ability to process and act on data quickly is becoming a competitive advantage in and of itself.
“AI is not replacing engineering expertise in Formula One, it is actively enhancing it. The teams that can integrate AI most effectively into their workflows and decision-making processes will be the ones able to innovate, adapt and move fastest.”
Talent pipelines are shifting with AI-native engineers entering the field. How will the skill set of a motorsport IT department look different in 2030 compared to today?
“We’re already starting to see AI become more of a teammate, like a support system that helps people work faster and more efficiently. Across Formula One and motorsport, AI will increasingly help drivers, engineers and designers solve problems quicker by drawing on huge amounts of existing engineering knowledge and data.
“By 2030, I think the skillset within a motorsport IT department will evolve to reflect that. The core engineering knowledge will still be essential, but there’ll be a much greater emphasis on understanding how to work alongside AI – knowing how to prompt it effectively, interpret its outputs and integrate it into day-to-day workflows. Engineers will need to build confidence and trust in AI tools, while still applying human judgement to validate results and make final decisions. I think there will always need to be humans in the process.
“I don’t expect the roles themselves to disappear, but they’ll look different. The fundamentals of what people coming into the field need to learn won’t massively change either. Strong computer science and scalable technology skills will become even more valuable, but physical and hands-on roles like mechanics and composite builders will still be hugely important entry points into the industry as well.
“Ultimately, the biggest shift will be in how people work day-to-day. Those who can combine engineering expertise with the ability to effectively use AI will be the ones who thrive.”
Outside of data and code, passion fuels performance. What personal hobby or interest keeps you mentally sharp during the intensity of a race season?
“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. Going out for a nice breakfast and coffee with my partner is my safe space and a chance to properly unwind. I’m a huge coffee-lover – so much so that drinking and trying new coffee has become a hobby in itself.
“Otherwise, you’ll find me studying, particularly physics and astronomy, which I find fascinating.”
Many CIOs have a favorite piece of tech from their childhood. What was the first gadget or computer you owned, and how did it spark your curiosity?
“When I was little, I spent a lot of time playing around with engines. My father had a few outboard engines and we’d spend hours taking them apart, servicing them and putting them back together again. I remember being mind blown by how everything worked as a kid.
“And it probably goes without saying, but I was also obsessed with Lego – how most engineers start out.“
If you weren’t in motorsport or tech, curiosity would have led you elsewhere. What alternate career would you have pursued, and what draws you to it?
“I always dreamt about being an astronaut and came really close to achieving it! I went through the long process to become an astronaut and unfortunately didn’t make it to the final step. If I didn’t find my calling in motorsport, I would have definitely given it another shot.”
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
“Easy one! I want to win with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team.”
For a student reading this who dreams of a leadership role in motorsport tech, what’s the one mindset shift they need to make right now to get there?
“I’d say the biggest thing is to stay calm, be a sponge and learn as much as you can – as quickly as you can. Ask questions, stay curious and keep learning.
“But ultimately, you have to put the work in. There’s no magic answer or shortcut to success, especially in F1. It takes focus and commitment but it’s incredibly rewarding when you get there.”