Doriane Pin is preparing for a new chapter in her career: first by winning the F1 Academy Championship with the Silver Arrows, and now by taking on the role of Mercedes Development Driver for 2026.
After securing the title in the third edition of the F1 Academy championship and arriving in Brackley as part of the Junior Programme, Doriane Pin now makes history by becoming a Development Driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team for the 2026 season. The team led by Toto Wolff supported the French driver throughout her two seasons in the all-female category and now welcomes her into a new adventure in her motorsport career.
For the new Formula 1 season, Pin will support George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in simulator development and other activities, both at the factory and at the track. This will also include her presence at selected race weekends throughout the year. In addition, her role will extend to supporting and acting as a reference point for the new driver backed by the Silver Arrows in F1 Academy, who has yet to be announced.
Speaking about this new chapter, the driver expressed her pride in taking on this role with the Brackley-based team, also highlighting the growth she has experienced thanks to Mercedes: “My two years within the Junior Programme have helped me grow as a driver, and this represents a fantastic step forward in my career. I’m excited to continue working with everyone in Brackley and Brixworth and to progress towards future opportunities, both on and off the track “.
She also took the time to thank the category that welcomed her and continues to work towards female inclusion in motorsport: “I also want to sincerely thank everyone at F1 ACADEMY for helping me reach this position. The series provides an extraordinary platform for women drivers, and I am honoured to receive the champion’s trophy this evening. As I continue my journey in motorsport, I know there will be many other incredible women ready to follow in my footsteps, and I wish them all the very best for the upcoming season “.
Finally, Team Representative Bradley Lord praised Doriane Pin’s work within the British team:
“Over her two years with our F1 ACADEMY team, she has combined dedication, speed, and racecraft with strong technical feedback and solid engineering skills, culminating in championship success last season.”
“These qualities are essential for progressing through the motorsport hierarchy, and this new role will help Doriane continue to grow and develop as a driver in her sporting career. Her success in F1 ACADEMY and the opportunities provided by the series have prepared her perfectly for this next step, and we look forward to seeing her take it on alongside a racing programme that will be announced shortly, ” Lord continued.
Photo: F1 Academy, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team.
