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Pin got behind the wheel of the Mercedes W12, which was driven by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in the 2021 Constructors’ title-winning season, and made history.
Doriane Pin became the first female ever to drive a Mercedes F1 car, as she underwent a private test session with the Brackley outfit (X/MercedesAMGF1)
A significant moment for women in motorsport has arrived — Doriane Pin became just the second female driver in six years to test a Formula 1 car.
The 2025 F1 Academy champion and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team development driver recently got behind the wheel as part of the team’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme.
This marked the first time a woman has ever driven a Mercedes F1 car.
Mercedes confirmed the milestone with a post on X.
A Dream Realised at Silverstone
Pin took to the track at Silverstone Circuit, driving the Mercedes W12 — a championship-contending car once raced by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
“Today is a very special day,” Pin said ahead of the test. “I will drive for the first time a Formula 1 car at Silverstone. Very looking forward to it. It’s going to be a big day and something that I have dreamed of for so long.”
She added, “I will enjoy every second and take this chance to build myself and continue to grow… and I will keep you posted on how special this day is.”
Building Momentum After a Breakthrough Year
This opportunity caps off a remarkable rise for the French driver.
Pin clinched the 2025 F1 Academy title and has since stepped into a development role with Mercedes, contributing extensive simulator work before earning her on-track chance.
She also returned to endurance racing recently, securing a podium in LMP2 at the European Le Mans Series opener in Barcelona.
Breaking Barriers, Step by Step
Women breaking into Formula 1 remains one of motorsport’s toughest challenges. The last female to participate in an F1 race weekend was Susie Wolff in 2014, while Jessica Hawkins made headlines with a private test in 2023.
Pin, however, is focused on steady progress rather than rushing the process.
Speaking earlier about her role, she said: “It’s a very interesting role… important for my career and to develop as a person and also as a driver.”
On future opportunities, she added: “For sure, the second step [being] FP1 would be good, but that’s not yet in place… I hope I will have more opportunities in the future to drive the car and be competitive.”
April 18, 2026, 3:49 PM IST
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