P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes announce champion’s replacement after 2026 exit
Mercedes have announced Payton Westcott as their new F1 Academy representative for the 2026 season, replacing the previous champion, Doriane Pin.
Doriane Pin became the F1 Academy champion in 2025 after a fierce competition with Maya Weug in Las Vegas, securing her title with the support of Mercedes and Toto Wolff.
In 2026, Pin will be moving on to compete in the European Le Mans Series with Duqueine Team in the LMP2 Pro/AM Class.
Westcott, a promising 16-year-old American racer, will be taking over Pin’s spot in the F1 Academy, driving for PREMA Racing and benefitting from a dual programme in Italian F4.
Mercedes team is excited about Westcott joining the family, recognizing her talent and potential for growth both on and off the circuit in the upcoming season.
