During a recent “Mercedes In Convo With Kids” session, 22-year-old French racer Doriane Pin made her long-term objective unmistakably clear: she sees herself behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car within the next five years. When the moderator asked where she pictures herself in that timeframe, Pin answered without hesitation, “In Formula 1.” She added that such a breakthrough would not only be personal triumph but also a gateway for the many young girls dreaming of the top tier of motorsport.
From academy champion to Mercedes development driver
Pin’s ascent began in earnest when she captured the F1 Academy title in 2025. The victory earned her a contract as a development driver for the Brackley-based Mercedes outfit. In April 2026 she became the first woman to pilot a Mercedes F1 car at the historic Silverstone circuit, handling the 2021 W12 during a private test session. The lap time data, while not released publicly, was hailed by team engineers as a solid benchmark for a newcomer to the machinery. Beyond the single-seater, Pin balances a busy schedule across multiple disciplines: she supports Peugeot in the World Endurance Championship, collaborates with Citroën in Formula E, and races in the European Le Mans Series’ LMP2 Pro-Am class for the Duqueine Team.
Championing diversity on and off the track
When asked what change she would make to the world, Pin highlighted the need for broader representation: “Diversity, in general… we need more opportunities for everyone. Especially with my experience in a male-dominated sport like motorsport, it would be good if we had a lot of women also in Formula 1.” Her statement resonates with a small but growing lineage of women who have broken into the modern F1 era. Former F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff logged a historic free-practice appearance for Williams in 2014, the first female presence on a Grand Prix weekend in 22 years. More recently, Aston Martin ambassador Jessica Hawkins completed a 26-lap test in an AMR21 at the Hungaroring in September 2023, further widening the pathway for female talent.
Looking ahead: the next five years
Pin’s five-year roadmap hinges on converting her development role into a full-time race seat. She acknowledges that the transition will demand consistent performance in endurance and electric series, as well as continued strong showings in Mercedes’ internal testing programme. The combination of her academy pedigree, multi-category experience, and vocal advocacy for inclusion positions her as a compelling candidate for any team seeking both talent and a progressive brand image. Should she secure a grid spot, Pin will join an exclusive club of women who have driven contemporary F1 cars, reinforcing the message that the sport’s once-narrow pipeline is finally widening.
