Mercedes' Pin Claims F1 Academy Title in Las Vegas Finale

Doriane Pin has been crowned the F1 Academy champion, securing the title in the final race of the season in Las Vegas. The Mercedes-backed driver clinched the championship by finishing fifth in Race Two, overcoming Ferrari rival Maya Weug, who needed a win to have any chance. Pin's consistent performance throughout the season, culminating in a win in Saturday's reverse-grid race, solidified her dominant run.

Why it matters:

Doriane Pin's F1 Academy championship win highlights the growing talent within the all-female racing series and Mercedes' commitment to nurturing young drivers. Her victory, achieved with a strategic drive in the final race, demonstrates the high-stakes pressure and competitive nature of the F1 Academy, a vital stepping stone for women in motorsport.

The Details:

• Championship Decider: Pin only needed a top-six finish in Race Two to secure the title after winning Saturday's reverse-grid race. Her main rival, Maya Weug, crashed out in a collision during the formation lap on Saturday, severely impacting her championship hopes.
• Final Race Drama: In the decisive Race Two, Weug needed to win to deny Pin. Although Weug managed to pass Pin for third place with two laps remaining, she finished behind second-placed Alisha Palmowski and race winner Chloe Chambers, who led from pole.
• Final Standings: Pin ultimately finished fifth in Race Two, but this was more than enough to secure the championship. She ended the season 15 points clear of Weug in the final standings.
• Third Champion: Pin becomes the F1 Academy's third champion, following Marta Garcia in 2023 and Abbi Pulling in 2024. She had previously finished second to Pulling in her inaugural single-seater season last year.
• Team and Support: Pin, driving for Prema, was congratulated by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, George Russell, and Kimi Antonelli in parc ferme. She expressed immense gratitude to her team, family, and Iron Dames for their unwavering support.
• Prema's Dominance: Pin's team, Prema, secured the teams' championship for the third consecutive year in Race One, underscoring their consistent performance and strength within the series.

Looking Ahead:

Doriane Pin's F1 Academy title marks a significant achievement in her budding career, providing a strong platform for her advancement in motorsport. With the backing of Mercedes and a proven track record, her future trajectory will be closely watched as she aims for higher echelons of racing. Her success further validates the F1 Academy's role in identifying and developing female talent, paving the way for more women to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.