Doriane Pin Secures F1 Academy Title in Las Vegas Finale

Doriane Pin has been crowned the F1 Academy champion, with the Mercedes-backed driver sealing the title in a dramatic final race of the season in Las Vegas. Pin, a 21-year-old Frenchwoman, needed a top-six finish in Race Two to clinch the championship, a task made simpler after winning Saturday's reverse-grid race while rival Maya Weug crashed out.

Why it matters:

This championship win marks a significant milestone for Doriane Pin and the Mercedes junior program, highlighting the impact of F1 Academy in developing female talent. For Pin, it's a testament to her rapid progression in single-seater racing, solidifying her position as a promising talent in motorsport. For the series, it reinforces its role in nurturing future stars, following in the footsteps of previous champions Marta Garcia and Abbi Pulling.

The details:

• Crucial Race Two Performance: Pin secured the title by ensuring a strong finish in the final race. Her win in Saturday's reverse-grid race gave her a significant advantage heading into the decider.
• Rival's Misfortune: Ferrari-backed Maya Weug, Pin's main title rival, saw her chances severely diminish after crashing out in the formation lap of Saturday's race. Weug needed to win Race Two to have any hope, but ultimately finished behind Alisha Palmowski (2nd) and winner Chloe Chambers.
• Final Standings: Pin concluded the season with a 15-point lead over Weug, despite dropping to fifth place in the final race after being passed by Alba Larsen. The result, however, had no bearing on her championship victory.
• Team Recognition: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, along with drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, congratulated Pin in parc ferme. F1 president Stefano Domenicali also extended his congratulations.
• Prema's Dominance: Pin's team, Prema, clinched the F1 Academy teams' title for the third consecutive year in Race One, underscoring their consistent performance in the series.

What's next:

Doriane Pin's F1 Academy title will undoubtedly elevate her profile within motorsport, potentially opening doors to further opportunities in higher categories. Her success with Mercedes' backing suggests a bright future. The F1 Academy series continues to be a vital platform for emerging female drivers, and the competitive nature of this year's finale bodes well for its future seasons in identifying and nurturing talent.