Doriane Pin, the 2025 F1 Academy champion, recently had a historic moment by completing her maiden Formula 1 test with Mercedes at Silverstone. Driving the constructors’ championship-winning W12 from the 2021 season, she completed 76 laps at the Silverstone Circuit, covering a total of 200km. During the test, current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were present to support Pin in the garage, making it a milestone moment in her career. Pin expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, describing the experience as unreal and unique. She also emphasized the emotional significance of the day and the importance of showcasing female drivers’ capabilities. Pin’s test drive marked her as the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car, following in the footsteps of Jessica Hawkins, who tested with Aston Martin in 2023.
Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes driver development adviser, commended Pin’s achievement and highlighted the importance of inspiring future female drivers in the sport. With aspirations to see a woman in F1 in the near future, the Mercedes team expressed pride in Pin’s accomplishment. The trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, praised Pin’s professionalism and performance during the test, noting her natural ability and comfort behind the wheel of the W12. As the winner of the 2025 F1 Academy championship, Pin’s role as a Mercedes development driver signifies a promising career trajectory in motorsport. Her success serves as an inspiration for aspiring female drivers and showcases the progress towards greater gender diversity in Formula 1.
