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Doriane Pin achieves Formula 1 milestone with maiden Mercedes test at Silverstone

Posted : 18 April 2026

The 2025 F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin reached a significant career landmark this week by driving a Formula 1 car for the first time. The 22-year-old French driver took to the track at Silverstone behind the wheel of the Mercedes W12. This specific chassis was the car used by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas during the 2021 world championship season.

Pin has been a member of the Mercedes junior program since the team backed her successful title campaign in the all-female racing series. Her transition to F1 machinery follows a period as a development driver for the Brackley-based outfit under the guidance of Toto Wolff. Mercedes shared the milestone across social media, describing it as a vital step in her professional growth.

Before the test, Pin expressed her excitement on social media and described the opportunity as a lifelong dream. She noted that she intended to enjoy every second while using the experience to continue her development as a top-tier driver. This test marks the first time a woman has driven a Mercedes F1 car in a private session since the team’s inception.

The event holds broader significance for women in motorsport as the industry seeks to improve gender representation. Jessica Hawkins was the last woman to complete a private F1 test when she drove for Aston Martin in 2023. Prior to that, Susie Wolff participated in a free practice session at the British Grand Prix in 2014 while driving for Williams.

The F1 Academy remains a primary pathway for female talent to secure opportunities in higher categories of open-wheel racing. Pin’s performance in the W12 provides evidence that the series is meeting its goal of preparing drivers for the physical and technical demands of F1. The French star is expected to continue her development role with Mercedes throughout the remainder of the 2026 season.

 

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