BREAKING:Historic Moment on Track as Doriane Pin Gears Up to Drive a M…. Read more
Historic Moment on Track as Doriane Pin Gears Up to Drive a Mercedes F1 Car Once Raced by Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes has taken another significant step in its long-term vision for nurturing elite talent by promoting French racing star Doriane Pin to the role of Development Driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The announcement marks a landmark moment not only in Pin’s rapidly accelerating career, but also in Mercedes’ continued commitment to broadening opportunity and building a deeper pipeline toward the pinnacle of motorsport.
As part of her expanded responsibilities, Pin is set to take part in Mercedes’ Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, a prestigious opportunity that will see her drive a Mercedes Formula 1 car once raced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. For any driver, the chance to sit in the cockpit of a former race-winning F1 machine is special. For Pin, it represents both recognition of her achievements and a powerful symbol of how close she is moving toward the sport’s top tier.
Pin’s promotion follows a dominant 2025 campaign in F1 Academy, where she clinched the championship title in Las Vegas with authority. The 22-year-old finished the season 15 points clear of her closest rival, Ferrari-backed Maya Weug, and built her title-winning run on consistency, composure, and outright speed. Four victories, multiple podiums, and a calm command of high-pressure moments underlined her readiness for the next stage of her development. Mercedes, who have supported Pin through their junior structure since 2024, clearly saw enough to elevate her into a more integrated Formula 1 role.
The Development Driver position places Pin closer than ever to the heart of the Mercedes Formula 1 operation. Alongside her on-track TPC outings, she will spend extensive time in the team’s simulator, contributing to car development and correlation work. Simulator duties are a vital part of modern Formula 1, often influencing set-up directions, tyre understanding, and aerodynamic refinements across race weekends. Pin will also attend several Grands Prix throughout the 2026 season, allowing her to gain first-hand experience of race operations, engineering briefings, and the intense rhythm of an F1 campaign.
Driving a former Lewis Hamilton Mercedes adds another layer of significance to the moment. Hamilton’s years with the Brackley-based team delivered six world championships and established one of the most successful driver-team partnerships in Formula 1 history. For Pin, stepping into machinery once guided by Hamilton is not about comparison, but inspiration. It offers a tangible connection to what excellence looks like at the highest level and provides invaluable experience in handling the power, complexity, and physical demands of a modern Formula 1 car.
Mercedes have been clear that Pin’s promotion is merit-based, rooted in performance rather than symbolism. Her adaptability across categories, technical feedback, and mental strength have consistently impressed engineers and management alike. The team views the TPC programme as an essential learning platform, allowing drivers to understand Formula 1 procedures without the pressures of a live race weekend. For Pin, every lap completed will add to her understanding of tyre behaviour, energy deployment, braking systems, and aerodynamic sensitivity.
Beyond individual development, Pin’s rise carries wider significance for motorsport. Her journey reflects the evolving structure of single-seater racing, where initiatives like F1 Academy are now feeding directly into Formula 1 teams’ talent pathways. Mercedes’ decision to place her in such a visible and technically demanding role sends a strong message about the viability of these pathways and the seriousness with which teams are approaching long-term driver development.
While no immediate race debut has been suggested, Pin’s new role positions her firmly within the conversation for future opportunities. Development Driver status has historically been a stepping stone toward reserve roles and, eventually, competitive seats in Formula 1 or other top-level categories. At just 22, time is firmly on her side, and Mercedes appear willing to invest patiently as she continues to grow.
For Doriane Pin, the upcoming TPC runs are more than just test sessions. They represent proof that her performances have earned trust at the very highest level. As she prepares to fire up a Mercedes Formula 1 car with Hamilton’s legacy etched into its history, one thing is clear: this is no longer just a story about potential. It is about progress, momentum, and a future that now feels closer than ever. 🏁🔥
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