Reigning F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin has taken one of the most significant steps of her rapidly rising career, completing her maiden Formula 1 test on Friday at Silverstone.
The Mercedes‑AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Development Driver drove the title‑winning Mercedes W12 from the 2021 season, delivering a composed, assured performance that impressed engineers and underlined her growing stature within the team’s development programme.
The 22‑year‑old completed 76 laps of the 2.639 km Silverstone National Circuit, totalling 200 km of running—an important milestone for any young driver, and a symbolic one for a driver who has become a leading figure in the pathway from F1 Academy to elite motorsport.
Reflecting on the day, Doriane captured the emotion of the moment: “Driving an F1 car for the first time today was unreal. 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.”
She also highlighted the challenge of adapting to a championship‑winning F1 machine: “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.”
Preparation, professionalism, and a historic first
Ahead of the test, Pin—affectionately known within the team as the Pocket Rocket—spent extensive time in the Mercedes simulator, working closely with engineers to master the procedures and characteristics of the W12. That preparation paid off immediately.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, praised her approach and execution: “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.”
That historic note—becoming the first woman ever to drive a Mercedes Formula 1 car—was echoed by Gwen Lagrue, Driver Development Advisor: “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.”
A milestone for F1 Academy and Mercedes’ talent pathway
Pin’s test continues a growing trend of female drivers gaining meaningful mileage in modern F1 machinery. As the reigning F1 Academy champion, she represents the clearest example yet of how the series can serve as a genuine springboard to elite motorsport opportunities.
For Mercedes, the test reinforces the team’s long‑term commitment to nurturing talent and expanding pathways for women in motorsport. Pin’s performance—calm, confident, and technically sharp—validated the investment the team has made in her development.
