Mercedes to give F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin private F1 test

Mercedes plans to grant 2025 F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin a private test in a Formula 1 car, following her successful integration as a development driver. The French driver, backed by the team throughout her championship-winning season, confirmed team principal Toto Wolff's promise of a real-world test after impressing in simulator duties, marking a significant step in her pursuit of an F1 race seat.

Why it matters:

Pin's potential test represents a tangible progression for a female driver in the modern F1 era, highlighting Mercedes' commitment to developing diverse talent. As the last woman to participate in a private F1 test was Jessica Hawkins in 2023, and the last to appear in a race weekend was Susie Wolff in 2014, this move is a notable moment for gender inclusion in the sport's top tier.

The details:

• Doriane Pin signed with Mercedes as a development driver for 2026 after winning the F1 Academy title with their support.
• Team Principal Toto Wolff indicated a real F1 car test was the "potential next step" contingent on her simulator performance, which Pin described as going "very well."
• Pin is actively preparing for the opportunity, stating she will ensure she is "fully ready" for the test to demonstrate her potential for a future F1 drive.
• Alongside her Mercedes duties, Pin has returned to endurance racing, progressing to the LMP2 Pro-Am class in 2026, building on her prior experience with the Iron Dames project.

What's next:

The private test, once scheduled, will be a critical evaluation for both Pin and Mercedes. A strong performance could solidify her position within the team's junior program and intensify the conversation about a female driver's pathway back to the F1 grid. For now, Pin continues her dual development path in Mercedes' simulator and in endurance racing, with the coveted F1 test as her immediate goal.