Mercedes announce Doriane Pin as Development Driver for 2026

2025 F1 Academy Champion Doriane Pin has been promoted by Mercedes to development driver duties with the F1 team.

Credit: Formula One

The French driver graduates from Mercedes' Junior Programme to become a Development Driver with the team, expanding her duties to help Mercedes with simulator work, data analysis as well as trackside support.

Alongside these activities, the 22-year-old driver will also offer mentorship to Mercedes' 2026 F1 Academy driver, who is yet to be announced.

The French driver's promotion comes after a highly impressive sophomore year in F1 Academy where she clinched the Drivers' Title after a tense battle with Ferrari driver Maya Weug, in a championship rivalry that went down to the wire.

Pin managed to score in every single F1 Academy race she participated in, recording four wins and eight podiums across the 2025 season. By securing the title, she became the third ever F1 Academy Drivers' Champion, following the success of inaugural champion Marta García and 2024 champion Abbi Pulling.

Speaking of Mercedes' decsion to promote her, Pin shared: "I’m very proud and grateful to take on the role of Development Driver with the Mercedes F1 Team.

“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, added: "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.”