French female driver Doriane Pin is aiming to break into Formula 1 racing. She is a development driver at Mercedes and the current world champion among women in motorsport. Pin’s ultimate dream is to compete in F1, a challenge she is determined to pursue.
Pin holds the title of F1 Academy world champion, the women’s single-seater championship. After finishing second in the 2024 season, the Prema Racing driver set her sights on even higher goals, starting with Formula 1 among men. Few women have achieved this feat in the past, with examples including Lella Lombardi in 1976 and Giovanna Amati in 1992.
Pin took a significant step towards her goal on April 26th when she drove the W12, Lewis Hamilton’s 2021 car, as a development driver at Mercedes. This marked her as the first woman to drive a Silver Arrows Formula 1 car, a moment she described as “unreal” and “the most beautiful moment” of her life.
As current drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli hold the seats at the German team, Mercedes has not yet indicated any changes. Pin understands the challenges ahead in the competitive world of Formula 1, but remains undaunted, expressing her hope for further opportunities.
After tasting the pinnacle of motorsport, Pin is eager for more and aims to challenge conventions. She hopes that her current chapter in F1 is just the beginning, with aspirations for more chances to drive a Formula 1 car and continue her progression step by step. Pin’s ultimate goal is to secure a spot in an EL1 session during a Grand Prix event, a significant milestone for her.
In addition to her commitments in endurance racing this year, Doriane Pin is focused on breaking barriers and turning her dream into reality. Now, the question remains whether the Mercedes team leaders share her vision. Nonetheless, participating in a free practice session during a Grand Prix weekend would be a major step forward for the determined French driver.
