Doriane Pin makes Mercedes history at Silverstne with her first Formula 1 test

Th run marking a landmark moment for both Pin and the team’s development programme. At 22, she becomes the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car and the first Frenchwoman to run modern F1 machinery.

The 2025 F1 Academy champion completed 76 laps of the 2.639 km National Circuit, covering 200 km in the Mercedes W12, the car that powered Mercedes to the 2021 Formula 1 constructors' championship with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. 

The outing followed extensive simulator preparation, with the French driver integrated into the team’s engineering process before taking to the track.

Pin summed up the experience: “Driving an F1 car for the first time today was unreal. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and to be surrounded by this incredible team. It was a unique opportunity.

"I made sure to enjoy my day to the fullest, along with doing the best job I could. Whilst being a female driver doesn't define me, it was great to show what we can do. It was an extremely emotional day and I'm also thankful I was able to share this experience with my family."

Pin said of her session in the 2021 Mercedes Formula 1 car: “The W12 is obviously really different from the other cars I've been able to drive. Everything is different, bigger and more powerful. I am glad I was able to build confidence lap after lap and show what I was capable of," added Pin.

Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin made clear the impression Pin left on the team: “It's been great to have Doriane complete a day of testing with the W12 today. It marks another major step on what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career and also makes her the first ever female driver of a Mercedes F1 car.

“Her preparation and professionalism has impressed the whole team and she should be really proud of what she has achieved. Whatever series you come from, it is always a massive step when getting into an F1 car but she looked at home from the very first laps and was able to enjoy driving the car on the limit.”

The test is part of a structured pathway within Mercedes, where Pin continues to build experience through simulator work and engineering collaboration.

Driver Development Advisor Gwen Lagrue stressed the broader impact: “It is always really special for a young driver to drive an F1 car for the very first time. Today, it is even more unique as Doriane is the first ever woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car.

“We are very proud to show to the next generation of female drivers that driving an F1 car is achievable. I am sure we will see a woman driving in F1 in the coming years and as a team, we would be incredibly proud if we were to achieve that goal with someone in our team.

"Doriane can certainly act as an inspiration for those following in her wheel tracks as she continues her career and role as Development Driver with our team," added Lagrue.

Pin will continue her duties as Development Driver, including simulator work, factory programmes and trackside support, while also mentoring the team’s 2026 F1 Academy driver Payton Westcott.

With her first Formula 1 test complete and confidence building lap by lap, Pin has taken a clear step forward as she works towards further opportunities at the highest level of the sport.