Doriane Pin reflects on "unreal" maiden F1 test: "An extremely emotional day"

Doriane Pin, Mercedes W12

"It is always really special for a young driver to drive an F1 car for the very first time," said Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes driver development adviser. "Today, it is even more unique as Doriane is the first ever woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car.

"We are very proud to show to the next generation of female drivers that driving an F1 car is achievable. I am sure we will see a woman driving in F1 in the coming years and as a team, we would be incredibly proud if we were to achieve that goal with someone in our team.

"Doriane can certainly act as an inspiration for those following in her wheel tracks as she continues her career and role as Development Driver with our team."

Mercedes trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, added that Pin impressed the whole team with her preparation and professionalism.

"It's been great to have Doriane complete a day of testing with the W12 today," he said.

"It marks another major step on what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career and also makes her the first ever female driver of a Mercedes F1 car.

"Her preparation and professionalism has impressed the whole team and she should be really proud of what she has achieved. Whatever series you come from, it is always a massive step when getting into an F1 car but she looked at home from the very first laps and was able to enjoy driving the car on the limit."

After winning the 2025 F1 Academy championship, Pin currently serves as a Mercedes development driver, in addition to responsibilities in other racing series.

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