Doriane Pin reflects on her historic Mercedes F1 test at Silverstone
2025 F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin has provided a rare, firsthand account of her maiden Formula 1 test with Mercedes at Silverstone. This landmark event saw the French driver become the first champion of the all-female series to pilot an F1 car, as well as the first woman to test for the Brackley-based outfit. Following her championship success, Pin has also been promoted to the role of development driver for the team.
Reflecting on the experience during the Mercedes Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, Pin described the day as one of the best days of my life. She emphasized the rarity of the opportunity, noting, Driving a Formula 1 car is not very common. I'm very lucky to have this opportunity, but today was amazing. Working closely with the team and improving throughout the day, and feeling this amazing car around Silverstone. It is big, and it is a good feeling.
Understanding the F1 difference
Pin, who has previously competed in the F1 Academyâwhere cars are equivalent to Formula 4 machineryâand the Ferrari 488 GTE in the Ferrari Challenge Europe, was quick to highlight the unique demands of F1 machinery.
There is nothing compared to Formula 1, she explained. I drove in LMP2, it's the first car we reach more than 300kph on the straight, especially in Le Mans. 320-325. But still, braking, combined downforce, the speed itself is another world compared to what I'm used to, and compared to what I've driven before.
For Pin, the transition required a period of adaptation to grasp the car's true potential. It's something that you don't expect until you drive it for the first time. Obviously, you need a bit of time to adapt and to understand how it works. But until you drive it, you have no idea how it feels, and how it will be.
Preparation and performance
Despite the significant step up in performance, Pin felt well-prepared for the test, crediting her close collaboration with the Mercedes engineering team. So a lot of surprises today, even though we prepared quite a lot for this test. And I feel I was in the right window to have a good day because I've been working closely with the engineers and the team before, so I think we prepared well for this test. So I was comfortable in the car today.
Her successful outing at Silverstone marks a significant step in her career, following in the footsteps of other rising stars in the sport, such as those discussed in our recent coverage of Abbi Pulling's reflections on the evolving landscape for young female drivers. As she continues her journey as a Mercedes development driver, Pinâs performance serves as a testament to the growing opportunities for female talent within the highest echelons of motorsport.
Ciara Gillan
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 producerâs brain to Formula 1, navigating the highs of Oscar Piastriâs rise and the unique stress of being an adopted Ferrari fan. She loves talking and talking about F1, if you give her the chance!