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In a landmark moment for both the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team and the progression of female talent in motorsport, 2025 F1 ACADEMY Champion Doriane Pin has completed her maiden Formula 1 test. The 22-year-old, currently serving as a Mercedes Development Driver, made history on April 17, 2026, by becoming the first woman to ever pilot a Mercedes F1 car.
The test took place at the Silverstone National Circuit, where Pin logged 76 laps—totaling 200km—behind the wheel of the W12, the championship-winning machinery famously campaigned by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas during the 2021 season. Beyond her milestone with the Silver Arrows, Pin also holds the distinction of being the first Frenchwoman to drive modern Formula 1 machinery.
Pin’s performance was the result of rigorous preparation, including extensive simulator sessions and deep integration with the Mercedes engineering team. Her ability to translate that preparation into on-track performance drew praise from the team, who noted her impressive pace, technical feedback, and overall understanding of the car.
“Driving an F1 car for the first time today was unreal,” Pin reflected. “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.”
Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, highlighted the significance of the day: “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 serves as a powerful statement regarding the pathway for female drivers in the sport. Gwen Lagrue, Driver Development Advisor, emphasized the broader impact of Pin’s achievement.
“We are very proud to show to the next generation of female drivers that driving an F1 car is achievable,” Lagrue stated. “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.”
For Pin, the day was as much about personal achievement as it was about breaking barriers. “Whilst being a female driver doesn’t define me, it was great to show what we can do,” she added. “It was an extremely emotional day and I’m also thankful I was able to share this experience with my family.”
Ciara is a Dublin native, award-winning film producer, podcaster and writer with 20 years of storytelling experience. A lifelong Leinster and Ireland rugby fan, she turned her attention to the grid after moving to Berlin and co-founding Formula Live Pulse. Now, she applies her producer’s brain to Formula 1, navigating the highs of Oscar Piastri’s rise and the unique stress of being an adopted Ferrari fan. She loves talking and talking about F1, if you give her the chance!
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