Doriane Pin completes maiden F1 test for Mercedes

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Doriane Pin in parc ferme after the final F1 Academy race during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, United States. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images) | Getty Images Mercedes development driver Doriane Pin completed another major step on her potential journey to the Formula 1 grid, completing a test session for the team at the historic Silverstone circuit. Pin, the 2025 F1 Academy champion, completed 76 laps in the W12, the car that helped power Mercedes to the 2021 Constructors’ Championship.

It was her first time turning laps in F1 machinery, and she completed 200 kilometers during her session on Friday. “Driving an F1 car for the first time today was unreal. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and to be surrounded by this incredible team.

It was a unique opportunity and I made sure to enjoy my day to the fullest, along with doing the best job I could. Whilst being a female driver doesn’t define me, it was great to show what we can do. It was an extremely emotional day and I’m also thankful I was able to share this experience with my family,” said Pin after the test session.

“The W12 is obviously really different from the other cars I’ve been able to drive. Everything is different, bigger and more powerful. I am glad I was able to build confidence lap after lap and show what I was capable of.