Doriane Pin, the reigning F1 Academy champion, shares insights about her fresh role as a Mercedes Development Driver and her aspirations for reaching Formula 1. She discusses mentoring young talent and balancing her duties with a racing program in the European Le Mans Series.
A lot can change in a year, and Doriane Pin is living proof. At the beginning of 2025, she was just starting her second and final run in the F1 Academy, a campaign that ended with her as champion, consistently gracing the podium at every event. Fast forward to 2026, and Pin is stepping into a new chapter as a Development Driver with Mercedes, alongside her racing commitments in the European Le Mans Series.
Sitting down with F1.com during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, Pin reflects on her new role, which involves not just attending Grand Prix events but also engaging in simulator work and various factory activities. It's a busy but exciting year ahead for the 22-year-old, who also takes on a mentorship role for Mercedes' new F1 Academy driver, Payton Westcott.
Pin's new role at Mercedes represents a shift from driver to observer, as she takes in the F1 Academy race from the sidelines for the first time. It's a change she's embracing, keen to soak up every learning opportunity that comes her way. "I feel like I’m going home at the end of the day and I have grown in one day," she shares, underscoring the rarity and value of such a chance.
Her involvement with the Mercedes team isn't just limited to technical development. She enjoys solid relationships with fellow drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, having shared weekends and technical insights with them during her F1 Academy days. Team Principal Toto Wolff has nothing but praise for her, describing Pin as a "fierce young lady that can drive," a sentiment she’s pleased to hear.
Mentoring Westcott is another facet of her role that Pin cherishes. She sees it as a chance to impart her wisdom to a younger generation, noting that Westcott is eager and dedicated. The young American has already shown promise, securing a podium finish in her debut F1 Academy race weekend.
Beyond her Mercedes duties, Pin is returning to endurance racing with the Duqueine Team in the European Le Mans Series. Her racing calendar is packed, but she thrives on the challenge, aiming for another title and a strong showing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Looking to the future, Pin is hopeful that her work with Mercedes will lead to more opportunities, potentially even a chance to test an F1 car. "First of all, it will be a private test," she says, with aspirations for more involvement down the line.
Ultimately, Pin's goal remains steadfast: reaching Formula 1. She’s confident that her dual focus on development and racing will open doors and bring her closer to that dream. "I think we all have the same goal and we are all working towards this one," she concludes.