Mercedes F1 has made history as Doriane Pin broke new ground by piloting their W12 at Silverstone in 2026.
Stepping Stones: From Karting to the Front Row
Pin’s motorsport journey began at nine, with a first national karting entry at twelve in 2016. Over three seasons, she climbed the rankings, finishing tenth overall and fifth in the junior division before claiming the female title in 2019.
In 2020, the French driver shifted to the Renault Clio Cup, then joined the GT3 class of the Le Mans Cup in 2021. By 2023, she tested the waters of single‑seaters in the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship, and the following year contested the UAE series.
Pin’s perseverance paid off when she claimed the 2025 F1 Academy crown. The victory carried the reward of a development seat with the Mercedes Formula 1 outfit, a slot that linked her first W12 drive in 2026.
Expanding Horizons Across Racing Disciplines
While with Brackley, she pedals the Le Mans Prototype‑2 Pro‑Am car in the European Le Mans Series, partnering with Duqueine to chase class honours. Parallel to her endurance commitments, she supplies data as a development driver for Peugeot in the World Endurance Championship and for Citroën in Formula E.
A One‑Day Test at Magny‑Cours
Pin’s first taste of Formula 3 came during a single‑day assessment at Magny‑Cours in November 2021, giving her a glimpse of the speed needed at that level.
Advice to the Next Generation
Speaking in the Mercedes In Convo With Kids series, the 22‑year‑old urged young women to let belief drive their ambition. “If your dream is to race on the world’s biggest stages, simply chase it,” she told the audience.
She added, “Trust yourself. Early on, you may doubt what’s achievable, but once you try, the reality sets in.” Her message stresses both confidence and forward thinking as keys to unlocking potential.
Looking Ahead
With a portfolio that spans WEC, Formula E, Le Mans, and the Mercedes factory program, Pin’s trajectory suggests she will continue to shape the future of mixed‑gender participation in top‑tier motorsport.
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