Historic Milestone: Doriane Pin Makes Waves with Unforgettable F1 Test!
In a groundbreaking moment for motorsport, Doriane Pin, the reigning F1 Academy champion of 2025, has taken a monumental leap into the world of Formula 1 by completing her very first test drive with the legendary Mercedes team at Silverstone. This isn't just a personal achievement; it's a significant chapter in the history of female drivers in F1!
Pin, a French racing sensation, had the privilege of piloting the formidable W12, the very car that secured the Constructors' Championship in 2021. Over the course of an exhilarating day, she clocked an impressive 76 laps—totaling 200 kilometers—around the iconic Silverstone Circuit. The atmosphere was electric, with current Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli rallying in the garage, offering their support for this extraordinary moment.
“Driving an F1 car for the first time today was unreal,” Pin exclaimed, overflowing with gratitude. “I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and to be part of such an amazing team. This experience was unique, and I made sure to savor every moment while giving it my all.”
Pin's journey transcends the racetrack. “While being a female driver doesn’t define me, it was empowering to showcase what we can accomplish,” she emphasized. “This was an extremely emotional day, and I’m grateful to have shared it with my family.”
The W12, she noted, presented a stark contrast to the vehicles she had previously driven—everything about it was larger and more powerful. “I gradually built my confidence lap after lap and was thrilled to demonstrate my capabilities,” she said, reflecting on the challenge of adapting to such a high-performance machine.
Doriane's groundbreaking achievement is not just a personal victory; she is now the first woman ever to take the wheel of a Mercedes F1 car, following in the footsteps of Jessica Hawkins, who participated in a private test with Aston Martin in 2023. This unprecedented moment marks her as a trailblazer in the sport.
Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes' driver development adviser, praised Pin's accomplishment, stating, “It is incredibly special for any young driver to experience their first F1 test. Doriane’s achievement is even more remarkable as she makes history as the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car. We are proud to pave the way for future generations of female drivers, demonstrating that driving an F1 car is within reach. I have no doubt that we will see a woman in F1 soon, and we’d be honored to support that journey from our team.”
Andrew Shovlin, the trackside engineering director at Mercedes, echoed this sentiment, expressing admiration for Pin's professionalism and preparation. “Today’s test was a significant milestone in what is shaping up to be an exciting and promising career. Doriane has impressed everyone with her professionalism and should take great pride in her achievements. Every driver faces immense pressure when stepping into an F1 car, but she appeared to be in her element right from the start, pushing the limits of the car with confidence.”
Currently serving as a development driver for Mercedes, along with her commitments in other racing series, Doriane Pin’s future in motorsport looks incredibly bright. Her inspiring journey is sure to motivate aspiring female racers everywhere, proving that dreams can indeed become a reality on the highest stage of motorsport!