Doriane Pin has taken an important step in his racing career after completing his first Formula 1 test with Mercedes at Silverstone.
The race marks a historic moment for both Pin and the team’s development program. At 22, she becomes the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 and the first Frenchwoman to drive modern F1 machinery.
The outing followed extensive preparation in the simulator, 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 surreal. I am so grateful to have had 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, as well as do the best job I could. Although being a female pilot doesn’t define me, it was great to show what we can do. It was an extremely emotional day and I’m also grateful to have been able to share this experience with my family.”
Mercedes stresses the importance of the test
Pin said of his session in the 2021 Mercedes Formula 1: “The W12 is obviously very different from the other cars I’ve been able to drive. Everything is different, bigger and more powerful. I’m glad I was able to gain 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 was fantastic that Doriane completed a day of testing in the W12 today. It marks another important step in what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career and also makes her the first female driver of a Mercedes F1 car.”
“Her preparation and professionalism have impressed the whole team and she should be really proud of what she has achieved. Whatever series you come from, it is always a big step to get into an F1 car, but she felt at home from the first few laps and was able to enjoy driving the car to the limit.”
The test is part of a structured path within Mercedes, where Pin continues to gain experience through simulator work and engineering collaboration.
Gwen Lagrue: We will surely see a woman driving in F1 in the coming years
Driver development advisor Gwen Lagrue highlighted the wider impact: “It is always very special for a young driver to drive an F1 car for the first time. Today, it is even more unique as Doriane is the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car.”
“We are very proud to show the next generation of drivers that driving an F1 car is possible. 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 achieved that goal with someone in our team.
“Doriane can certainly act as an inspiration to those who follow her as she continues her career and her role as a development driver with our team,” Lagrue added.
Pin will continue his duties as a development driver, including simulator work, factory programs and track support, while also mentoring the team’s 2026 F1 Academy driver, Payton Westcott.
With his first Formula 1 test completed and gaining confidence lap by lap, Pin has taken a clear step forward as he works towards more opportunities at the highest level of the sport.