“It was surreal”: Doriane Pin discovers F1 and makes a lasting impression at Mercedes

Written by Sonia Romero
“It was surreal”: Doriane Pin discovers F1 and makes a lasting impression at Mercedes
Credit: Doriane Pin sur le podium avec Prema Racing à l'Académie F1 Las Vegas 2025. Crédit photo Overtake Agency / Thomas Cerato

At Silverstone, Doriane Pin reached a symbolic milestone—and a significant one at that. The 22-year-old Frenchwoman got behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time during a test day with Mercedes.

Some days matter more than others. This past Saturday was clearly one of them.

On the Silverstone circuit, Doriane Pin experienced Formula 1 in real-world conditions, behind the wheel of the Mercedes W12—the 2021 world champion car. The result: 76 laps completed, nearly 200 kilometers covered, and a first-hand immersion in the pinnacle of motorsport. “Driving an F1 car for the first time today was surreal.”

The word is out, and it sums up the scene quite well. Between contained excitement and studious focus, the Frenchwoman savored the moment… without ever forgetting why she was there.

Another step forward on a well-planned path

A development driver at Mercedes since 2023, Doriane Pin didn't arrive by chance. After hours in the simulator and in-depth work with the engineers, Toto Wolff had promised her an opportunity on the track. A promise kept.

Competing this season in the European Le Mans Series—and having recently graduated from the F1 Academy, where she was crowned champion—the Frenchwoman is pursuing an unconventional yet consistent path.

Above all, she's making her way quietly… but methodically.

Learning fast, understanding even faster

Switching from an endurance car to a Formula 1 car is a bit like trading a commercial airliner for a fighter jet: everything moves faster, everything is more sensitive, and the slightest mistake comes at a steep cost. “Everything is bigger, faster, and more powerful.”

But far from being overwhelmed, Doriane Pin has gradually found her footing, gaining confidence lap after lap. This is essential in this type of endeavor, where the goal isn't to shine on a timesheet, but to understand the machine—and to communicate effectively with the team.

In this regard, the feedback has been very positive.

Mercedes impresses with its professionalism

On the Silver Arrows' side, the verdict is clear. Andrew Shovlin, Director of Track Engineering, praises a solid performance: “Her preparation and professionalism impressed the entire team.”

Gwen Lagrue, head of the young drivers' program, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the symbolic significance as much as the performance: “It's a special moment… and even more so because she is the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car.”

A significant milestone, without fanfare—but with very real significance.

Beyond the performance itself, this first also had a strong personal dimension. Doriane Pin didn't hide her emotion, nor the importance of sharing this moment with her loved ones. “It was an extremely emotional day.”

In a world where everything is often meticulously planned, moments like these hold a special significance.

And let's be honest: getting into an F1 car for the first time leaves no one indifferent—not even the most jaded folks in the paddock.

And now?

This test drive doesn't guarantee anything, but it opens doors. In a sport where opportunities are rare—and even rarer for women—every step counts.

Doriane Pin thus becomes one of the very few female drivers to have driven an F1 car in recent years. The next step? Participating in a Grand Prix weekend. A goal that's still far off, but no longer entirely abstract.

In the meantime, the schedule remains packed: simulator, development, endurance… and continuous progress.

As for Mercedes, this test is part of a broader initiative: building a pipeline, nurturing talent, and—ultimately—further opening the doors to Formula 1. Doriane Pin did what was required: learn, adapt, and prove she belongs in this demanding environment.

What's next? It won't be decided overnight. But at Silverstone, she clearly got off to a good start. We're rooting for her.