Mercedes makes history with milestone Doriane Pin F1 test
Originally published by Motorsportweek
Mercedes has made history by handing Doriane Pin a Testing of Previous Cars outing, making her the first woman to drive one of its Formula 1 cars.
The reigning F1 Academy champion, who is a development driver for the Silver Arrows, was given the chance after its current, title-leading W17 challenger was put through its paces for a filming day.
Pin, who dovetails her role with a similar one with Peugeot’s World Endurance Championship, as well as an LMP2 seat in the European Le Mans Series, was given the Constructors’ title-winning W12 from 2021, in which she completed 76 laps of the Silverstone National Circuit.
The test was another crowning moment in the popular and talented Frenchwoman’s career, having taken the F1 Academy crown as the German marque’s affiliated driver with PREMA.
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After her milestone moment, Pin said: “Driving an F1 car for the first time today was unreal. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and to be surrounded by this incredible team.
“It was a unique opportunity and I made sure to enjoy my day to the fullest, along with doing the best job I could.”
Doriane Pin ‘looked at home’ in Mercedes F1 berth
Pin’s commitment to and performance in the test was praised by Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, Andrew Shovlin.
“It’s been great to have Doriane complete a day of testing with the W12 today,” he said.
“It marks another major step on what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career and also makes her the first ever female driver of a Mercedes F1 car.
“Her preparation and professionalism has impressed the whole team and she should be really proud of what she has achieved.
“Whatever series you come from, it is always a massive step when getting into an F1 car but she looked at home from the very first laps and was able to enjoy driving the car on the limit.”
Watch the footage of Pin’s historic moment here!
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 18, 2026