Doriane Pin hit a huge milestone for Mercedes at Silverstone.
Doriane Pin made history by becoming the first female driver to test drive a Mercedes Formula 1 car at Silverstone, completing 76 laps in the W12 from the 2021 season.
The 22-year-old French driver, a Mercedes development driver, covered 200 kilometres during her test and described the experience as “unreal” and emotionally significant.
Pin, who won the F1 Academy title last year, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and praised the incredible team around her.
Despite not letting being a female driver define her, Pin was proud to showcase her skills and enjoy the unique experience in the powerful W12.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, applauded Pin’s preparation and performance, noting her comfort and ability to push the car to its limits.
Pin acknowledged the significant differences of the W12 compared to previous cars she drove, but was glad to gain confidence lap by lap and demonstrate her capabilities.
Continuing her duties as a development driver at Mercedes, Pin will engage in simulator work, factory and trackside activities, attend grand prix races, and mentor the team’s 2026 F1 Academy driver, Payton Westcott.
