‘My dream is F1’: Doriane Pin lands key Mercedes role

Doriane Pin’s rapid rise through the junior ranks of racing has reached another major milestone, with the reigning F1 Academy champion earning a coveted promotion into Mercedes’ driver development programme for 2026.

The move underlines both Pin’s standout success in the all-female series and Mercedes’ growing confidence in her potential as she takes the next step on the motorsport ladder.

Having spent two seasons within the Mercedes junior set-up, the French driver will now assume a broader role at Brackley and Brixworth, contributing directly to the team’s Formula 1 development efforts.

A Step Up With Purpose

Pin’s new position will see her work extensively in Mercedes’ simulator, alongside factory-based and trackside duties, as well as supporting the team’s yet-to-be-announced 2026 F1 Academy driver.

It is a role that reflects not only her pace on track, but also the qualities she has demonstrated behind the scenes.

“We are delighted to announce that Doriane will step up to the role of Development Driver in 2026,” said Mercedes team representative Bradley Lord.

“In her two years within our Junior Programme, it wasn't just her dedication, speed, and race-craft that shone through but her technical feedback, engineering nous, and ability to effectively work with senior personnel too.

“Honing these skills as part of a driver's toolkit are vital as they are to progress up the motorsport ladder and critical to the development path of an F1 team.

“This role is therefore a perfect fit; helping Doriane continue to grow and progress on her motorsport journey whilst enabling the team to benefit from her significant experience.”

Learning Fast, Dreaming Big

For Pin, the announcement represents both validation of the work she has put in and a springboard toward her ultimate ambitions. Reflecting on the journey so far, she was quick to highlight the value of her time within the Mercedes structure.

“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," Pin said in a press release.

"I’m excited to keep working with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth and progressing toward future opportunities, both on and off track."

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Alongside her single-seater success, Pin has also broadened her racing education through endurance competition, racing with the Iron Dames outfit. That experience, she believes, has played a crucial role in her development as a complete driver.

"I've learned so many things with the Iron Dames team,” she said, speaking at the Autosport Awards on Wednesday.

"I've been racing with them in endurance races and... in longer races you are working with a full team with strategy people, with tyre people and engineers and so on. And it's very intense as well, but very good for learning.”

That blend of disciplines has helped shape Pin’s next career move, as she begins to focus more firmly on the single-seater pathway that leads to the pinnacle of the sport.

"I think we were waiting this time to switch to single-seater because my dream is Formula 1,” Pin confirmed. “So that's why we did it at the right time when Mercedes came with me."

With a championship already under her belt and the backing of one of Formula 1’s most successful teams, Pin now enters a new chapter defined by opportunity, responsibility and momentum – one that brings her a step closer to turning that Formula 1 dream into reality.

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