2025 F1 Academy Champion Doriane Pin will take the next step in her career as a Development Driver for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. The French driver graduates from the team’s Junior Programme following a title-winning season and moves into a broader role with the works outfit.
Pin claimed the 2025 F1 Academy title with four victories and four additional podium finishes. The 22-year-old delivered a season defined by pace, consistency, and grit in her final year in the series. Her new Development Driver role will see her contribute to simulator development, factory-based work, and trackside operations. She will also support the team’s 2026 F1 Academy driver at selected Grand Prix events.
Speaking about the appointment, Pin said:
“I’m very proud and grateful to take on the role of Development Driver with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. My two years as part of the Junior Programme have helped me grow as a driver and this is a fantastic next step in my career. I’m excited to keep working with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth and progressing toward future opportunities, both on and off track.
“I also want to say a big thank you to everyone at F1 Academy in helping me reach this position. The series provides a brilliant platform for female drivers, and I am honoured to be collecting the championship trophy this evening. As I continue my own journey in motorsport, I know there will be more incredible women following in my wheel tracks and I wish them all the very best of luck for the season ahead.”
Pin set to join a “soon-to-be announced racing programme” alongside Mercedes role
Alongside her new Mercedes role, Pin will also compete in a soon-to-be-announced racing programme in 2026. This next challenge will build on an already impressive career trajectory. Since beginning her karting journey in 2013, Pin has demonstrated clear commitment and talent. She finished Vice-Champion in F1 Academy in 2024 before winning the Championship title in 2025.
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Representative Bradley Lord welcomed Pin’s progression, saying:
“We are delighted to announce that Doriane will step up to the role of Development Driver in 2026. In her two years within our F1 Academy team, she combined dedication, speed, and race-craft with strong technical feedback and engineering knowledge – culminating in her championship success last season.
“These skills are vital to progress up the motorsport ladder and this new role will help Doriane continue to grow and develop as a driver on her motorsport journey. Her success in F1 Academy, and the opportunity the series presents, has prepared her well for this next step and we’re excited to see her tackle it alongside a soon-to-be-announced racing programme.”
Pin now begins a new chapter with Mercedes as she continues to build momentum toward future opportunities at the highest levels of motorsport.
