Having enjoyed another highly successful 2025 F1 Academy season, Prema Racing’s Doriane Pin appeared on the Fast Forward with PitStopNic podcast to reflect on her racing inspirations, the pressures of competing on a global stage, and more. Backed by the Mercedes Junior Programme, the French driver candidly spoke about the challenges that come with the sport, both physically and mentally.
Racing inspirations
Like many young drivers, Pin names seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton as one of her biggest racing inspirations. She noted that getting to meet Hamilton—whom she admired growing up—was an unforgettable experience. The 21 year-old also explained that she looked up to female athletes outside of motorsport, such as alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, especially during a time when there were no women involved in Formula 1.
“Yeah, motorsport, obviously. Starting watching Formula 1 when I was five, it was Lewis Hamilton. So yeah, I’ve met him now. Last year, obviously, he was racing still with Mercedes and it was unbelievable to meet the one that I was looking [up to] when I was younger. But in terms of female, I was looking at skiing as well, alpine skiing. And Mikaela Shiffrin was one of the ones I was looking [up to]. Obviously, in motorsport, you didn’t have any women in F1 at that time. But now, yeah.”
Being an inspiration to others now
Racing in an all-women series, Pin acknowledges that she has become a role model for many young female aspiring drivers. When asked about how she felt being that inspiration to others now, the Frenchwoman responded: “Yeah, I think it’s really good for the sport and it feels good. Obviously, we have a role to be and to bring into life and to share with the ones that follow. And it’s important to have a role model, as I said, because now young girls can have a model to look at after it.”
The 21 year-old highlighted how sharing her experiences on track and with the media helps promote greater visibility and opportunities for young girls. She further emphasised the importance of equality and hopes her role inspires the next generation to pursue their ambitions in life.
“And this is cool. And obviously, when we are sharing this on track, or with the media right now, it’s being up in the right way and we can talk more about it. So it’s very interesting and I like this role because I’m sure we’re going to see more young girls coming up soon in motorsport or in life or in business or whatever, to be honest. We just have to see more equality in the world.”
Handling external pressure
Competing in an all-women category, online criticism aimed at women’s race-craft has been a recurring topic of discussion. While racing alongside Formula 1 weekends has increased visibility for these female drivers, it has also added pressure on them to consistently perform and prove their abilities.
When asked about how she handles external pressure, Pin said: “Yeah, obviously, it’s something to handle. But racing-wise, I’m totally fine. Like, I’m in my environment. Obviously, the off-track side is a bit more stressful, like a bit more intense. But I start to feel good with it. So it takes a bit of time.”
The 21 year-old emphasised that racing is more than just driving, highlighting how there are many people working behind the scenes to get her to where she is. Additionally, she explained the importance of sharing her journey, inspiring others to pursue similar paths if they set their mind to it.
“You have also working with a lot of people and I have my team around me that obviously prepares me as the best and always there to help me and advise me on things. But yeah, it’s a job. It’s not only about racing. We need to admit it. But it’s also important to share the stories.”
“As I said, it’s for the future of our sport and it’s important to share the stories to the people watching and say, I’m the same or I want to do similar things. I want to be in that world and just go for it.”
Importance of physicality in motorsport
When asked about what part of training she likes, Pin explained how she enjoys strength training and pushing herself in the gym. Acknowledging that while it can be tough, completing each session brings her a sense of accomplishment. The Frenchwoman discussed how building strength is not only rewarding, but also essential for her as a driver to maximise her performance.
Pin said: “Yeah, I do like strength training. We are doing a lot of gym. So pushing quite a lot.Obviously, pushing the limits forward is not always a pleasure. But no, it’s still good, because when you push your limits and you finish the day, you’re like, I did it. It feels good, it feels good. And that’s why I’m doing it every day, because I’m feeling better every day and feeling stronger. And obviously, it’s very important.”
“It’s fundamental to be good in the car, to perform, and to just focus on what you’re doing and not physically saying, it’s tough, it’s tough, you know? So you have to be very, very good physically in the car to perform as best as you can.”
Mindset and approach on race weekends
When discussing about her mindset and approach during race weekends, Pin emphasised that the mental side of racing is just as crucial as the physical aspects. The 21 year-old highlighted how she works closely on her mindset and emotional management, noting the importance self-awareness and how to respond emotionally in different situations.
“Yeah, and the mental aspect is also very important. Fundamental for a sport career, but also for the life, for other jobs. So yeah, I’m working with someone that obviously we are talking about.”
“Yeah, mindset and approach, and how to deal with emotions and stuff. So it’s obviously a lot more in detail than that, but yeah, it’s very important to know yourself as best, to understand why you react and how you will deal with it.”
Pin explained that she enjoys the psychological side of racing, noting that things will only go well if you are physically and mentally in the right state.
“Yeah, so I really enjoy this part of it. I love talking about psychology and stuff, so it’s really, really interesting. And obviously, as I said, physically you have to feel good, but mentally you have to feel also in a good window to perform. And if you’re in this zone, you just perform.”
Adapting from Endurance to single-seaters
Since making her racing car debut in 2020, the 21 year-old has competed across a variety of categories, building an impressively stacked and diverse portfolio for a very young driver. Pin explained how her driving changes according to the machinery she’s driving. She highlighted that while a some cars feel similar to racing in a single-seater, she noted that it still requires a lot of adaptation from a driver.
“I adapt to the car I’m driving. So obviously it’s very different to single-seater racing, to endurance racing I’ve been doing before. So I’ve been doing GT Racing, LMP2. Yeah. That is more prototype, like more downforce, a bit more close to the single-seater side, but it’s still very heavy compared to a single-seater car. So I’m adapting to it.”
Reflecting on her transition from endurance racing to single-seaters, she noted how she had to build a new technical foundation but found it a rewarding experience. She further emphasised how transitioning into single-seater racing has allowed her to learn more about race-craft and performance, aligning with her ultimate goal of reaching to the top level of motorsport, Formula 1.
“Obviously, when I switched to single-seater, I had to learn the base for the technique and stuff because it’s totally different. But it’s so interesting to know that you have the ability to switch between cars. Obviously now I’ve stopped the endurance racing at the moment, but it was a beautiful experience and beautiful years with the Iron Dames team.”
“And yes, switching to single-seater racing was the goal because obviously my ultimate goal is to reach Formula 1. So they helped me to have this opportunity to switch it. And races is more intense. Obviously, it’s shorter, but it’s all about performance and all about overtakes and fighting spirit.”
