Clément Pédrón, Media365: published on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 1:20 pm
Female development driver at Mercedes and reigning world champion among women, Doriane Pin continues to make strides in the world of motorsport. The Frenchwoman firmly believes in her dream of racing in Formula 1.
Doriane Pin is the reigning world champion of the F1 Academy, the women’s single-seater championship. After finishing second in the 2024 season, the Prema Racing driver had her sights set higher. The Ivry-sur-Seine native has other goals in mind, starting with Formula 1, competing against men. Few women have achieved the feat of racing in the top category, like Lella Lombardi in 1976 or more recently Giovanna Amati in 1992.
Doriane Pin now wants to be one of those exceptional women. On April 26, she, who is a development driver at Mercedes, had the opportunity to drive the W12, Lewis Hamilton’s 2021 race car. On that occasion, she became the first woman to drive this Formula 1 car adorned with the Silver Arrows, a moment described as “unreal” and “the most beautiful moment” of her life, obviously.
A forthcoming opportunity?
At the moment, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the two regular drivers for the German team. It is not (yet?) planned for Mercedes to change its representatives. In the unique world of Formula 1, Doriane Pin knows well that the road will be tough. But nothing scares her, even if she will have to go through many steps. “[I want] to take back the wheel in Formula 1,” she said to Motorsport. “I hope I will have this opportunity. I think we have done good work. I hope this will open doors and opportunities for the future.”
After tasting the “ultimate” single-seater, Doriane Pin logically wants more. And for that, she intends to shake things up. “For F1, I hope this chapter is just the beginning and that I will have more chances to drive a Formula 1 car and continue my progress step by step, and hopefully, have a day in EL1 session,” acknowledges the Frenchwoman. Now it remains to be seen if the leaders of the German team share the same view. Participation in a free practice session as part of a Grand Prix would be a significant step forward for the French driver. Also committed to endurance racing this year, Doriane Pin wants to shine and, for that, has eyes only for her dream turned goal.
