Doriane Pin named as Mercedes F1 Development Driver for 2026

Mercedes has confirmed that Doriane Pin will step up to serve as Development Driver for the team for the 2026 season.

The 2025 Champion graduates from the Mercedes Junior Programme, which she joined in 2024 ahead of her debut F1 ACADEMY campaign. After finishing runner-up that year, she scored eight podiums including four wins on her way to claiming the 2025 title in the final race of the season.

As part of her enhanced role with Mercedes, Pin will join their roster of drivers working across simulator development and activities both at the factory and trackside, including attending several Grands Prix. In addition, the 22-year-old will act as a support and sounding board for the team's 2026 F1 ACADEMY driver.

Her Development Driver duties will be dovetailed with a soon-to-be-announced racing programme for 2026.

“I’m very proud and grateful to take on the role of Development Driver with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team," said Pin. "My two years as part of the Junior Programme have helped me grow as a driver and this is a fantastic next step in my career. I’m excited to keep working with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth and progressing toward future opportunities, both on and off track.

“I also want to say a big thank you to everyone at F1 ACADEMY in helping me reach this position. The series provides a brilliant platform for female drivers, and I am honoured to be collecting the championship trophy this evening. As I continue my own journey in motorsport, I know there will be more incredible women following in my wheel tracks and I wish them all the very best of luck for the season ahead.”

Bradley Lord, Team Representative, added: "We are delighted to announce that Doriane will step up to the role of Development Driver in 2026. In her two years within our F1 ACADEMY team, she combined dedication, speed, and race-craft with strong technical feedback and engineering knowledge - culminating in her championship success last season.

“These skills are vital to progress up the motorsport ladder and this new role will help Doriane continue to grow and develop as a driver on her motorsport journey. Her success in F1 ACADEMY, and the opportunity the series presents, has prepared her well for this next step and we're excited to see her tackle it alongside a soon-to-be-announced racing programme."