Doriane Pin Eyes Mercedes F1 Test as Part of Development Role

Mercedes development driver Doriane Pin is targeting a private Formula 1 test with the team this year, viewing it as a critical step toward her ultimate goal of a race seat. The 2023 F1 Academy champion, who joined the Silver Arrows' junior program in 2024, has been heavily involved in simulator work and is pushing for the chance to prove her potential in a real car.

Why it matters:

Pin represents a significant talent pipeline for Mercedes and a potential future face of F1. Her progression from a dominant F1 Academy champion to a prototype racer and now an F1 test candidate highlights the evolving pathways into the sport. Success in a test could solidify her status as a genuine contender for a future race seat, adding her name to the list of promising young drivers in the Mercedes stable.

The details:

• Pin joined Mercedes as an official development driver earlier this year, having been supported by the team during her two F1 Academy campaigns.
• Alongside her F1 duties, she maintains a busy racing schedule, competing in the European Le Mans Series and preparing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while also serving as a development driver for Peugeot in the WEC.
• Her primary F1 work has been in the simulator at Brackley, which she adapted to quickly, noting its realism and precision for driver feedback.
  • She stated the simulator work is "very relevant" and allows for productive collaboration with engineers and driver George Russell.
• Pin confirmed that a private F1 test is part of the plan, contingent on her continued performance in simulator sessions.
• She acknowledged the significant step up from F1 Academy machinery, calling the simulator work complex but fascinating, and emphasized her readiness to seize the opportunity.

What's next:

The immediate focus is on converting her simulator proficiency into an on-track test. Pin is actively advocating for the chance, stating she needs to be "100% ready" for the real car. A successful test would be a major milestone, potentially accelerating her path toward an F1 race debut and proving the value of her dual-role development across endurance racing and Formula 1.