Doriane Pin: The Rising Star Set to Make Waves in Formula 1!
In a thrilling development for motorsport enthusiasts, Doriane Pin is on the brink of a groundbreaking opportunity with Mercedes Formula 1! This 22-year-old French dynamo has recently joined the ranks of the Silver Arrows as one of their official development drivers, and the excitement is palpable. Pin's meteoric rise began when she clinched the coveted F1 Academy title last year, showcasing her undeniable talent and determination. Now, in 2026, she is shifting gears to prototypes, racing alongside formidable competitors Julen Andlauer and Richard Verschoor in the grueling European Le Mans Series, with the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans also on her calendar!
But that's not all—Pin's commitments extend beyond the racetrack. In addition to her demanding role with Mercedes, she is also a development driver for Peugeot’s World Endurance Championship team, leaving her with a jam-packed schedule. Most of her work with Mercedes is currently taking place in the simulator, but the buzz around an actual on-track test is growing louder!
During a captivating interview on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Pin shared her exhilarating experience adapting to the F1 simulator. “It only took a morning!” she exclaimed, highlighting the simulator's impressive realism compared to the actual car. “I think I will in a private test this year. The simulator is quite realistic; you can give good feedback that matches the real car,” she added, emphasizing the intricate and precise nature of the simulation.
Pin is acutely aware of the significance of this transition. Moving from F1 Academy machinery to the F1 simulator represents a monumental leap, one that she has embraced with both enthusiasm and humility. “It's a big step,” she acknowledged, reflecting on her limited simulator experience prior to the pandemic. “During Covid I did, because there were no races then, but you just have time to get used to it,” she said, underscoring the learning curve involved.
The stakes are high as the ambitious driver gears up for potential testing with Mercedes, a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal of competing in Formula 1. “I'm pushing for that, too, you know, because I really want to get that chance to show my potential,” Pin declared passionately. But she knows that success in the simulator is crucial to earning her place behind the wheel of a real F1 car. “Yes! Of course we still have to see how it goes in the sim, and then that's a possible next step,” she admitted, with her eyes firmly set on the future.
Doriane Pin is not just racing against time; she’s racing toward her dream. With unwavering determination and a fierce desire to prove her capabilities, she is on the cusp of potentially redefining the landscape of Formula 1. As the motorsport world watches closely, one thing is for certain: Doriane Pin is a name to remember, and her journey has only just begun!