Mercedes adds ‘exciting talent’ Doriane Pin to junior programme

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Mercedes F1 has recruited 20-year-old Doriane Pin for its junior programme, with the French racer also representing the Brackley squad in this season’s F1 Academy.

Labeled an “exciting talent” and “rising star” by Mercedes, Doriane will compete in F1’s all-female junior series with the support of Iron Dames and Prema Racing.

Pin has competed in various championships since 2020 with the Iron Dames project, a pioneering platform committed to promoting and supporting women in motorsport.

Last year, the Parisian took part in seven rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship in the LMP2 category with Prema Racing. She also finished second in the 2023 Formula 4 South East Asia Championship with the Italian outfit.

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"I am incredibly happy to join the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Junior Programme and to represent the team in F1 Academy this year with Prema Racing,” commented Doriane.

“A new chapter begins, and I am proud to make this next step in such a prestigious team and with the Iron Dames project. I am grateful for their trust and honoured to race for their colours.

“Moving into single-seaters was a clear objective for my career, and to be in this environment is a great approach. I am working very hard to reach the top level of this sport and I cannot wait to go racing."

Mercedes F1 co-owner Toto Wolff said: “Doriane is an exciting talent and we’re pleased to begin our participation in F1 Academy with her as our chosen driver. We have kept a close eye on her development in recent years as she has consistently impressed.

“The fantastic support of Deborah Mayer and the Iron Dames organisation has enabled her to display her abilities to this point; she has taken full advantage of that opportunity with determination and skill.

“We now look forward to working in conjunction with Iron Dames, Prema Racing, and F1 Academy, to support Doriane as she takes the next step in her career.”

Iron Dames project founder Deborah Mayer, added: “It’s extraordinary for a young woman of 20 to join the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, one of the most prestigious teams in Formula 1.

“Since her entry into the Iron Dames project in 2021, Doriane has been a demonstration of talent, determination, and exceptional maturity. Becoming a member of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Junior Programme is a promising step in her young career.

“As F1 Academy has developed, lining-up for its second season promises to be an interesting challenge for her.

“This is also a wonderful and very positive symbol of the resonance and impact that the Iron Dames project can have in nurturing and blossoming talent.

“We are proud and delighted to be able to continue to support Doriane as she takes her dream as far as possible.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.