F1

Doriane Pin Graduates From F1 Academy Champion to Development Driver for Mercedes F1 Team

Image Provided by: F1 Academy

Doriane Pin became an F1 Academy Champion in 2025. Now, she’s taking on one of the most important roles within a Formula 1 team: development driver.

Development drivers support both factory and trackside operations. Their responsibilities include providing technical feedback on the car, working extensively in simulators, and participating in testing of previous cars. According to F1.com, Pin will attend several races while serving as a support resource for Mercedes’ 2026 F1 Academy driver.

“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,” Pin said during an appearance at the 2026 Autosport Awards red carpet. “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.”

Pin, who earned four victories last season in the all-female racing series, is expected to make multiple appearances in the Formula 1 paddock throughout the year. Her career progression includes karting at age 9, followed by competition in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, GT World Challenge, Ferrari Challenge, European Le Mans Series, Formula 4, and F1 Academy. She also claimed nine wins in 14 Ferrari Challenge races and secured an overall victory at the 24 Hours of Spa.

Her move into a development driver role highlights the increasingly diverse pathways for women through which talent can advance to the highest levels of motorsport.