Pin completes landmark maiden Formula 1 test with Mercedes

Doriane Pin has made history by becoming the first F1 ACADEMY Champion to complete a Formula 1 test.

The Mercedes Development Driver piloted the 2021 world-championship winning W12 Mercedes car, clocking in 76 laps of the Silverstone National Circuit on April 17. Becoming the first Frenchwoman to drive modern F1 machinery and the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car, the 22-year-old undertook a total of 200km of running on the day.

In preparation, Pin worked extensively in the team’s simulator and integrated closely with the engineers to refine her understanding of the necessary procedures to drive the W12.

Impressing the team with her pace, feedback, and technical understanding, Pin delivered an assured performance, highlighting the impact of the Mercedes’ long-term investment in her growth. She will utilise the experience as she continues in her Development Driver duties, alongside mentoring Mercedes’ 2026 F1 ACADEMY driver, Payton Westcott.

“Driving an F1 car for the first time today was unreal,” said Pin. “I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and to be surrounded by this incredible team. It was a unique opportunity and I made sure to enjoy my day to the fullest, along with doing the best job I could. Whilst being a female driver doesn’t define me, it was great to show what we can do. It was an extremely emotional day and I’m also thankful I was able to share this experience with my family.

“The W12 is obviously really different from the other cars I’ve been able to drive. Everything is different, bigger and more powerful. I am glad I was able to build confidence lap after lap and show what I was capable of.”

Speaking on the achievement, Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY, said: “Seeing our F1 ACADEMY Champion test a Formula 1 car for the first time was incredibly special. I’m immensely proud to hear the team’s feedback that Doriane did an great job. She had no issues physically, and becoming the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car and our first Champion to do so is a true testament to what’s possible.”

Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, added: “It's been great to have Doriane complete a day of testing with the W12 today. It marks another major step on what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career and also makes her the first ever female driver of a Mercedes F1 car.

“Her preparation and professionalism has impressed the whole team and she should be really proud of what she has achieved. Whatever series you come from, it is always a massive step when getting into an F1 car but she looked at home from the very first laps and was able to enjoy driving the car on the limit.”

Gwen Lagrue, Driver Development Advisor, commented: “It is always really special for a young driver to drive an F1 car for the very first time. Today, it is even more unique as Doriane is the first ever woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car.

“We are very proud to show to the next generation of female drivers that driving an F1 car is achievable. I am sure we will see a woman driving in F1 in the coming years and as a team, we would be incredibly proud if we were to achieve that goal with someone in our team. Doriane can certainly act as an inspiration for those following in her wheel tracks as she continues her career and role as Development Driver with our team.”