Mercedes has confirmed Doriane Pin will take part in a Formula 1 drive with the team, according to GP Today. The outlet describes the announcement as a “milestone moment,” though specific details about the nature and timing of Pin’s F1 outing were not available at the time of this report.
Pin, a French racing driver who has competed in junior single-seater categories, will become one of the few women to drive a current-era Formula 1 car for a works team. Mercedes has not yet specified whether the drive will take the form of a free practice session, a private test day, or another format permitted under FIA regulations.
Mercedes and Driver Development
Mercedes has periodically provided opportunities for drivers outside its immediate race lineup to sample F1 machinery, particularly as part of efforts to broaden participation in the sport. The team fielded George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as its race drivers entering the 2026 season, with Antonelli promoted from the junior ranks ahead of the new regulatory cycle.
Pin’s confirmation adds her name to a limited list of women who have driven contemporary F1 cars in official team capacities. The exact scope of her program with Mercedes—whether it includes multiple sessions, simulator work, or integration into a broader development role—has not been detailed in available reporting.
Context for 2026 Season
The 2026 Formula 1 season marks the introduction of sweeping technical regulations, including redesigned chassis and power units with approximately 50 percent electric output, alongside active aerodynamics. Teams have used the regulatory reset to evaluate driver talent across different formats, though the specifics of Pin’s involvement remain to be clarified by Mercedes.
Further details on the timing and location of Pin’s drive are expected to be announced by the team. The confirmation itself represents a public commitment from Mercedes to expand its driver evaluation activities during a season of significant technical change.