F1 Academy CEO Susie Wolff sent a heartfelt message to Doriane Pin ahead of her Formula 1 test with Mercedes at Silverstone.
The 22-year-old driver got behind the wheel of the Mercedes W12, driven by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in their 2021 campaign, at Silverstone. She became the first female driver to test a Mercedes F1 car.
Wolff, who was the last woman to take part in an F1 race weekend when she took part in a free practice session with Williams in 2014, sent a message to the 2025 F1 Academy champion ahead of her test.
“Doriane, our F1 Academy champion. Your first Formula 1 test. What a special day,” Wolff said in a personal message to Pin. “It won’t be until you’re strapped in and they start the engine that it will all become real. You’ll be out on the Silverstone track. You won’t believe how fast that car can go in a straight line.”
“The Maggotts-Becketts section, what a brilliant corner to drive in an F1 car. I know that, like me, you will be very interested in recording a fast lap time to show everyone what you are capable of. But be prepared, trust and listen to the engineers around you. They will guide you through the day and enjoy every minute.”
“We will support you from a distance. We are proud of you, good luck.”
When asked how it made her feel, Pin replied: “Very nice of Susie. Obviously I’ve met some amazing people through the F1 Academy and being with Mercedes, working with them for so many years.”
“I have learned a lot and I am very happy to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time together. She is an inspiration to everyone and also drove a Formula 1 car for testing at Silverstone.”
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