From F1 Academy to Development Driver at Mercedes-AMG Petronas: Could Doriane Pin be the next woman in F1 free practice?
by Lorena Serrat
After two years in the young driver program and winning the 2025 F1 Academy title, Doriane Pin has been appointed Development Driver for Mercedes-AMG Petronas. In her new role, she joins the group of drivers responsible for simulator work, supporting engineers in refining car behavior, testing setups, and evaluating performance scenarios well before they are applied on track.
Pin’s appointment represents a powerful statement for the future of women in motorsport. With experience ranging from karting to WEC and IMSA competition, she brings a strong technical background to one of Formula 1’s most demanding teams. Running her in a Formula 1 car during a Free Practice session would not be merely symbolic, but also a reflection of the sport’s current reality particular given the last time a woman took part in a Free Practice session was in 2014, when Susie Wolff drove in FP1 for Williams.
While other teams often present diversity and inclusion as a surface-level narrative, Mercedes has consistently reinforced its investment in young talent across different pathways to the top level of the sport. As Pin is integrated into the development structure, attention now turns to how this opportunity will be translated into meaningful on-track involvement, ensuring her role aligns with a long-term vision rather than remaining on the sidelines.
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