Mercedes F1 name Doriane Pin as Development Driver

By Teagan Crump

Mercedes have announced that reigning F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin will be joining them as their Development Driver ahead of the 2026 Formula One season.

📸: Mercedes F1

There has been much speculation about Pin's future following her two years in F1 Academy, with some questioning whether the all-female series can actually give young talent a future in motorsport.

As a part of her new role, Pin will assist with simulator development and attend several Grands Prix with the team. She will also support and work with Mercedes' new F1 Academy driver, who is yet to be announced.

📸: Mercedes F1

Following the statement, 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.”

Bradley Lord, a team representative added:

"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."