F1 ACADEMY champion Pin graduates to Development Driver role with Mercedes F1 team

F1 ACADEMY champion Doriane Pin is increasing her duties with the Mercedes F1 team as she becomes one of their Development Drivers for 2026.

French racer Pin, 22, graduates from the team’s Junior Programme to form part of Mercedes’ roster of drivers who work across simulator development and carry out activities at the factory and trackside.

She will attend several Grands Prix for the squad, while acting as a support and sounding board to Mercedes’ 2026 F1 ACADEMY driver – dovetailing these responsibilities with a soon-to-be-announced racing programme.

Pin beat Ferrari-backed rival Maya Weug to last year’s F1 ACADEMY crown with four wins and four further podiums across seven rounds, and will collect her trophy at Wednesday evening’s Autosport Awards in London.

“I’m very proud and grateful to take on the role of Development Driver with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team,” said Pin.

“My two years as part of the Junior Programme have helped me grow as a driver and this is a fantastic next step in my career. I’m excited to keep working with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth and progressing toward future opportunities, both on and off track.

“I also want to say a big thank you to everyone at F1 Academy in helping me reach this position. The series provides a brilliant platform for female drivers, and I am honoured to be collecting the championship trophy this evening.

“As I continue my own journey in motorsport, I know there will be more incredible women following in my wheel tracks and I wish them all the very best of luck for the season ahead.”

Bradley Lord, Mercedes Team Representative, commented: “We are delighted to announce that Doriane will step up to the role of Development Driver in 2026.

“In her two years within our F1 Academy team, she combined dedication, speed, and race-craft with strong technical feedback and engineering knowledge – culminating in her championship success last season.

“These skills are vital to progress up the motorsport ladder and this new role will help Doriane continue to grow and develop as a driver on her motorsport journey.

“Her success in F1 Academy, and the opportunity the series presents, has prepared her well for this next step and we’re excited to see her tackle it alongside a soon-to-be-announced racing programme.”