Doriane Pin completes maiden F1 test for Mercedes

Mercedes development driver takes W12 for 76-lap session at Silverstone

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:09pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Formula 1 car in motion, with the driver's form fractured and abstracted into overlapping planes of color, capturing the raw energy and dynamism of the test session.Doriane Pin's historic test with the Mercedes F1 team represents a major milestone for women in motorsports, as she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible.Las Vegas Today

Doriane Pin, the 2025 F1 Academy champion, completed a test session for the Mercedes Formula 1 team at the Silverstone circuit, driving the W12 car that helped power the team to the 2021 Constructors' Championship. This was Pin's first time turning laps in F1 machinery, and she completed 200 kilometers during the session.

Why it matters

Pin's test with Mercedes represents a major milestone in her potential journey to the Formula 1 grid, as she continues to make strides as a female driver in a male-dominated sport. Her performance and feedback will be closely watched as she aims to become the first Frenchwoman to compete in F1.

The details

During the test session, Pin completed 76 laps in the W12 and described the experience as 'unreal.' She noted that the F1 car was 'really different' from the other vehicles she has driven, with everything being 'bigger and more powerful.' Despite the challenge, Pin was able to build confidence and show what she was capable of over the course of the day.

  • On Friday, Doriane Pin completed the test session at Silverstone.

The players

Doriane Pin

The 2025 F1 Academy champion and Mercedes development driver who completed the test session in the W12 car.

Mercedes

The Formula 1 team that provided Pin the opportunity to test their W12 car, the car that helped power them to the 2021 Constructors' Championship.

Andrew Shovlin

The Mercedes trackside engineering director who praised Pin's 'preparation and professionalism' after the test session.

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What they’re saying

“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 and 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.”

— Doriane Pin

“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.”

— Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, Mercedes

What’s next

Pin will continue her racing career, driving with Duqueine Team for their 2026 European Le Mans Series, competing in the LMP2 Pro/Am Class. This will give her a chance to compete in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours for the second time, after making her debut at the historic event in 2023.

The takeaway

Doriane Pin's successful test with the Mercedes F1 team represents a significant milestone for female drivers in motorsports, as she continues to break barriers and demonstrate her talent behind the wheel. Her performance has impressed the Mercedes team, and she will look to build on this experience as she pursues her goal of competing in Formula 1.