For Payton Westcott, Mercedes’ support extends beyond her F1 Academy seat, with Doriane Pin’s mentorship helping the American navigate her rookie season.
Mercedes joined F1 Academy in 2024, with Pin becoming its first representative in the all-female series. The French driver made an immediate impression, finishing runner-up in her debut season before returning to claim the 2025 championship at the Las Vegas finale after a tight title battle with Maya Weug.
Following her title-winning campaign, Pin moved into a development driver role with Mercedes, while Westcott took over the team’s F1 Academy seat for 2026. Westcott has enjoyed a promising season so far, securing three podium finishes, including a Reverse Grid Race victory, and establishing herself as one of the leading newcomers on the grid.
Speaking exclusively to Pit Debrief, Westcott discussed Mercedes’ commitment to supporting women in motorsport and the valuable guidance she has received from Pin.
Mercedes’ support for women in motorsport
Earlier this year, Pin became the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car, completing a 76-lap private test at Silverstone in the team’s 2021 W12 machinery.
Westcott praised the team’s efforts to recognize female talent and create opportunities for women, saying:
“It’s incredible. I think that Mercedes has done one of the best jobs of recognizing women and giving women chances, and I think that it’s incredible what they’ve done. They’ve also had other female drivers in the past as their development drivers, so I think it’s really great to see that they’re very focused on it.”
Alongside Mercedes’ support, Westcott has also benefitted from Pin’s personal guidance. The reigning champion attended the 2026 F1 Academy season opener in Shanghai and has since continued to support Westcott.
“Having Doriane around is just incredible, first of all because it’s Doriane. I mean, she is a legend in the sport and she really truly is an inspiration to me, and it’s incredible to have her friendship and her mentorship to then help me progress through my F1 Academy season, really help me through this rookie year.”
“She’s a very inspiring person”: Westcott on learning from Pin
When Pit Debrief asked Westcott about the most valuable advice she’s received from Pin so far, the 17-year-old explained how Pin has helped her approach different on-track situations.
“She’s definitely given me, I’d say, smaller bits of advice that are very helpful, that are more like about one specific driver’s racing style or you can pass in this corner at this track or try this move or really small specific bits of advice that can help me on track.”
Beyond her technical advice, Pin’s achievements also make her a role model for other female drivers. From winning the F1 Academy championship to competing in the European Le Mans Series and taking on development roles in Formula 1, WEC, and Formula E, she continues to show what women can achieve in motorsport.
“But then also, in general, she’s very, very inspiring and encouraging about women following their dreams in motorsports, and that they can progress and they can do anything that they put their mind to, whether it’s motorsports or anything outside of motorsports,” said Westcott.
“So I think that first of all she’s a very inspiring person to me, but also she helps me with tiny details on track that someone who isn’t in her position couldn’t really help me with.”
