21 January 2026motorsportRace reportDriver Ratings
Mercedes appoints F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin as 2026 development driver
F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin has been named Mercedes' 2026 development driver, joining the team in simulator and factory roles while continuing her quest for a race seat in Formula 1.
French driver Doriane Pin, fresh off her 2025 F1 Academy title, has been appointed a development driver for Mercedes for the 2026 season. The role will see her in the simulator and factory, while she keeps her goal of a full‑time Formula 1 race seat.
Why it matters:
- Pin is the first F1 Academy champion to land a development role with a top team, tightening the path from the academy to the grid.
- Her technical feedback will help Mercedes as it prepares a new power‑unit and chassis for 2026, and her presence raises the profile of women in the sport.
The details:
- Championship pedigree: Won the 2025 F1 Academy with PREMA, finishing atop the standings.
- Endurance stint: Raced with Iron Dames in WEC 2024‑25, gaining strategy and tire‑management experience.
- Mercedes duties: Will assist in simulator work, provide engineering feedback and mentor the 2026 Academy driver line‑up.
What's next:
- Pin will attend select Grand Prix weekends in 2026, gaining track‑side exposure and data analysis experience.
- Mercedes aims to pair her with the 2026 Academy drivers, positioning her for a reserve‑driver seat and a possible race seat in 2027.