On 21st January, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team announced Doriane Pin as their Developmental Driver for the 2026 season. The appointment marks a major step in the French talent’s career following her F1 Academy Championship victory last year.
History with Mercedes
Pin’s relationship with Mercedes began in 2024, when she was named a member of the Mercedes F1 Junior Programme. Over the past two years, she has received extensive coaching and support from the team, training that has refined both her technical understanding and driving style. That progression ultimately culminated in her becoming the 2025 F1 Academy Champion. Reflecting on her time with the team, Pin explained,
“My two years as part of the Junior Programme have helped me grow as a driver, and this is a fantastic next step in my career. I’m excited to keep working with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth and progressing toward future opportunities, both on and off track.’’
Pin’s success highlights the importance of strong developmental pathways for under-represented groups in motorsport. In recent years, the number of female drivers signed to junior programmes has increased, reflecting both the global growth of Formula 1 and the impact of F1 Academy. By providing a clear route into elite teams, the series represents a meaningful step toward greater inclusion within the sport.
From Factories to the Tracks
In her new role, Pin will divide her time between the team’s factory and trackside responsibilities. With competition on the Formula 1 grid tighter than ever, behind-the-scenes development work has become vital to maintaining Mercedes’ competitive edge.
Through simulator sessions, Pin will deliver critical feedback to help refine the team’s 2026 car. She will tackle different tracks in different conditions, providing information about tyre management, race lines and setups that will help massively. Finding a missing tenth during these sessions could be the difference between a world championship or finishing second. With a controlled environment, Pin can make mistakes that will better prepare the team for race weekends.
A Mentor for the Rookies
Alongside her technical duties, Pin will also act as a mentor for drivers entering the F1 Academy under the Mercedes banner. As the reigning champion, she brings valuable insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the series. While her competitive plans for next season have yet to be confirmed, this mentoring role ensures she remains closely connected to the paddock while continuing her own development.
© Sam Bloxham / Mercedes-Benz AG
Speaking at the Autosport Awards in London on Wednesday, Pin reflected,
“As I continue my own journey in motorsport, I know there will be more incredible women following in my wheel tracks, and I wish them all the very best of luck for the season ahead.”
A Future in F1
Although nothing is guaranteed in Formula 1, Pin’s work with Mercedes places her firmly on the radar. Her role allows her to build a strong technical résumé within one of the sport’s most successful teams, though future opportunities will ultimately depend on her on-track performance.
Mercedes representative Bradley Lord praised Pin’s development and potential:
“In her two years within our F1 Academy team, she combined dedication, speed, and racecraft with strong technical feedback and engineering knowledge,” Lord added. “These skills are vital to progress up the motorsport ladder, and this new role will help Doriane continue to grow and develop as a driver on her motorsport journey.”
This marks an exciting new chapter for Doriane Pin and a significant step forward for aspiring female drivers. Fans will be watching closely as she embarks on this next phase of her career, cheering her on from the grandstands and beyond.