Mercedes F1 Team Shakes Up Roster: Doriane Pin's Successor Revealed!
In a dramatic turn of events, Mercedes has made a bold announcement that is sure to send shockwaves through the motorsport community! As the curtain falls on the 2025 season, the Silver Arrows are set to welcome a fresh face to their F1 Academy roster, stepping in for the celebrated champion Doriane Pin, who has officially graduated to new heights ahead of the 2026 F1 season.
Last year, Doriane Pin, backed by Mercedes, emerged as the undisputed F1 Academy champion in a nail-biting finale in Las Vegas, where she battled fiercely against Ferrari's Maya Weug. With 2025 marking her last opportunity to clinch the coveted title due to strict participation limits, Pin's triumph was nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to the unwavering support from the Mercedes F1 Team and their visionary principal, Toto Wolff, Pin has now set her sights on a thrilling new adventure in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) with the Duqueine Team, competing in the prestigious LMP2 Pro/AM Class.
But who will fill the monumental shoes left by this remarkable champion? Enter Payton Westcott, the rising American star who has been officially announced as Mercedes’ new representative for the 2026 F1 Academy season. This announcement, made with great fanfare on the team’s Instagram, marks an exhilarating new chapter for Westcott, who is ready to make waves in her debut F1 Academy campaign.
At just 16 years old, Westcott is no stranger to the racing scene. She made her mark during the final race weekend of the 2025 season, where she finished sixth as a Wild Card Driver, showcasing her potential and determination. Not only has she been selected as part of the inaugural F1 Academy Discover Your Drive program, but she is also primed to race for PREMA Racing—the same team that propelled Pin to her championship glory.
After the announcement, a visibly thrilled Westcott exclaimed, “I’m excited to join the Mercedes family for the 2026 F1 Academy season. They are an incredible team driven by passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This is an amazing opportunity to work with such a talented group committed to developing young talent.” She added, “Every race weekend will be a chance to push my limits and refine my skills. I’m motivated to take the next big step in my career.”
Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes F1 Team Driver Development Advisor, echoed the excitement, stating, “We’re very pleased to welcome Payton Westcott to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team family for the 2026 F1 Academy season. She steps into big shoes by succeeding Doriane, who set a very high benchmark within our program. Payton has already demonstrated maturity and strong performance, and we are excited to see how she adapts and thrives in this highly competitive environment.”
As Pin transitions into her new role as a development driver with Mercedes, the team is also preparing for a season of fierce competition ahead in the F1 Academy, a series that currently restricts drivers to a maximum of two seasons. The rules stipulate an age cap, preventing participation for those over 25 or under 16 at the start of the season, while champions are barred from further competition. However, from 2027 onwards, some drivers may be eligible for a third season under special circumstances.
With Payton Westcott now in the spotlight, all eyes will be on her as she navigates the challenges of the F1 Academy. Will she rise to the occasion and follow in Doriane Pin’s illustrious footsteps? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the upcoming season promises to be nothing short of electrifying!
