F1 Academy News: Champion Doriane Pin Graduates to Development Driver Role (Update)

Doriane Pin says she hopes her new role as a development driver at Mercedes will lead to a real Formula 1 test later this year.

The reigning F1 Academy champion was speaking after Mercedes confirmed her promotion within the team, a move that strengthens her links to the Brackley-based outfit despite her plans to also return to endurance racing.

“It’s incredibly positive for me because it’s a slightly more important role within an F1 team,” Pin told L’Equipe. “I’m going to work even harder and get even closer to what is my dream and my goal.”

Pin said she has already spent time in Mercedes’ simulator, including a full day running the virtual Abu Dhabi layout, and revealed she was close to the reference pace.

“I’ll be able to work on the simulator, compare myself to the best, and hopefully prepare for a real F1 test later this year,” she revealed.

Alongside her Formula 1 commitments, Pin confirmed she will return to endurance racing, including a drive at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with an eye on a Hypercar seat in 2027. However, she insisted her ultimate ambition remains unchanged.

“Formula 1 remains the ultimate objective,” Pin said.

Doriane Pin (pictured), 2025 F1 Academy Champion, continues her progression with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team as she steps up to become one of the squad’s Development Drivers for 2026. The 22-year-old, fresh from a stunning title success in the all-female series, graduates from the team’s Junior Program and will take on an enhanced role with the three-pointed star.

As Development Driver, Doriane will form part of the team’s roster of drivers who work across simulator development and additional activities at the factory and trackside. She will also be on event at several Grands Prix and will act as a support and sounding board to the team’s 2026 F1 Academy driver.

Her Development Driver role will dovetail with a soon-to-be-announced racing programme for 2026. The affectionately nicknamed ‘Pocket Rocket’ graduates from F1 Academy having claimed last year’s championship in confident fashion: four wins, four further podiums, and a faultless weekend in Las Vegas to secure the crown. The Frenchwoman will collect her F1 Academy trophy at this evening’s prestigious Autosport Awards in London.

Doriane said: “I’m very proud and grateful to take on the role of Development Driver with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. 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.

“I also want to say a big thank you to everyone at F1 Academy in helping me reach this position. The series provides a brilliant platform for female drivers, and I am honoured to be collecting the championship trophy this evening. 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.”

Bradley Lord, Team Representative, commented: “We are delighted to announce that Doriane will step up to the role of Development Driver in 2026. In her two years within our F1 Academy team, she combined dedication, speed, and race-craft with strong technical feedback and engineering knowledge – culminating in her championship success last season.

“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. Her success in F1 Academy, and the opportunity the series presents, has prepared her well for this next step and we’re excited to see her tackle it alongside a soon-to-be-announced racing programme.”

That racing program marks the continuation of a promising career that began in 2013 when Doriane first took up karting. After notable national successes, she progressed into cars and claimed the Ferrari Challenge Europe title, took a class victory at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and secured a historic win in the European Le Mans Series.

Her meteoric rise continued as she made the jump into the World Endurance Championship’s LMP2 category in 2023, taking a podium finish at the 1000 miles of Sebring, before switching her attention to single-seaters for the past two seasons