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Doriane Pin has gone from watching Formula 1 on the sofa with her father to becoming a recognised talent inside a top factory structure. The French driver, who claimed the 2026 F1 Academy title, says her earliest racing memories are tied to Lewis Hamilton and the dramatic championship battles he contested, particularly the tense duel with Nico Rosberg that defined the 2014 season. Those formative moments helped create an appetite for single-seater racing that eventually led her into the paddock as a competitor rather than a spectator, and into a role inside the Mercedes junior setup.
From fan to factory-backed racer
Pin entered the all-female championship in 2026 and soon attracted the attention of the Brackley-based outfit; she joined the Mercedes junior programme that year and continued her progress with Prema Racing. The combination of talent and team support produced tangible results: after finishing second in her debut season, she converted experience into victory the following year and secured the F1 Academy championship in her second campaign. At 22, she subsequently signed with Mercedes in a formal development driver capacity, a step that formalises simulator duties, race weekend attendance and deeper integration with a world-class operation.
How Hamilton shaped her approach
Pin is clear that Hamilton was a key influence on her decision to pursue single-seater racing. Growing up, she watched Hamilton’s title runs and recalls how those seasons sparked a long-term interest in the sport. Beyond mere inspiration, that admiration later turned into practical mentorship: during Pin’s first year inside Mercedes the seven-time champion remained at the team and was available for conversations and guidance. She describes him as approachable and willing to offer support, an uncommon level of access for someone who once sat in the grandstand as a fan.
Practical advice and personal contact
When asked to describe the kind of help he provided, Pin explains that Hamilton’s input was candid and sometimes tactical: short debriefs in the garage, pointers about mindset and reminders about preparation under pressure. These interactions were not formal coaching sessions but more spontaneous moments where a senior figure shared experience. Pin says that those conversations extended beyond technical setup to include mental preparation, an area where experienced champions often offer the most value. She also notes that the relationship continued even after Hamilton moved on from the team, with occasional catch-ups and an ongoing willingness to help.
Habits adopted from the paddock
Pin has taken more than anecdotes from senior drivers; she has copied tangible routines. She keeps a written log after running sessions to note car balance, setup changes and items for development, a practice she attributes in part to learning how meticulous top drivers are in their preparation. The discipline of journaling, combined with hours in the simulator, is now central to her process. Those habits helped her convert raw speed into consistent results across a season, a transition that is essential if the ultimate aim is to progress toward higher formulas.
What comes next at Mercedes and beyond
With a contract as a Mercedes development driver, Pin’s responsibilities include simulator work, presence at selected grands prix and mentoring roles within the academy structure. She speaks warmly of the team’s culture, describing colleagues as close-knit and supportive and saying she can “ring anyone” when she needs assistance. That network gives her daily access to engineering knowledge, data analysis and race-craft coaching that only a manufacturer programme can provide. Being part of the Mercedes family also offers visibility and practical pathways should a Formula 1 opportunity arise.
Ambition, perspective and the long game
Looking ahead, Pin remains focused on a clear target: to reach the top levels of single-seater racing. She acknowledges the ups and downs of competition and the self-scrutiny required when results do not go your way. Yet her story underlines a broader point about role models: inspiration can open a door, but mentorship and method turn potential into performance. For Pin, the combination of early influence from Lewis Hamilton, structured support from Mercedes and disciplined preparation has produced a trajectory that moves her steadily closer to the sport’s highest ranks.