Doriane Pin Makes Mercedes History with First Formula 1 Test at Silverstone Doriane Pin has achieved a historic milestone in her motorsport career by completing her first Formula 1 test with Mercedes at Silverstone, marking a significant step forward for both the driver and the team’s development program. At 22, she became the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car and the first Frenchwoman to test modern Formula 1 machinery. The 2025 F1 Academy champion completed 76 laps of the 2.639-kilometer National Circuit, covering 200 kilometers in the Mercedes W12, the car that secured the 2021 Formula 1 constructors’ championship for the team with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Pin’s test followed extensive simulator preparation, during which she was fully integrated into Mercedes’ engineering process before taking to the track. The French driver described the experience as “unreal,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the support of the team. She emphasized the challenges of adapting to the W12, noting its differences from the cars she had previously driven. “Everything is different, bigger and more powerful,” she said. “I am glad I was able to build confidence lap after lap and show what I was capable of.” Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted Pin’s impact on the team, stating that her performance marked “another major step on what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career.” He praised her preparation and professionalism, noting that she “looked at home from the very first laps” and was able to drive the car “on the limit.” The test is part of a structured pathway within Mercedes, where Pin continues to gain experience through simulator work, engineering collaboration, and trackside support.#mercedes #doriane_pin #silverstone #f1_academy #andrew_shovlin
