Mercedes F1 development driver and 2025 F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin tells aspiring female racers to dare to believe in their goals. Can you imagine a world where every girl believes she belongs on the grid?
She first got behind a kart at nine, then entered the national series at twelve in 2016. Over three seasons she placed tenth and fifth in the junior class, before clinching the female title in 2019.
Pin later raced the Renault Clio Cup in 2020, stepped into the GT3 class of the Le Mans Cup in 2021, tackled the F4 South East Asia series in 2023, then the F4 UAE and F1 Academy in 2024 and 2025. She also completed a one‑day Formula 3 test at Magny‑Cours in November 2021.
Beyond Mercedes, she contests the European Le Mans Series LMP2 Pro‑Am category with Duqueine and works as a development driver for Peugeot in the WEC and for Citroën in Formula E.
In a Mercedes In Convo With Kids interview, the 22‑year‑old reflected on her path and handed clear advice to girls eyeing the same track. For my money, her message could spark a new generation of female talent.
Doriane Pin – Prema Racing.
She said, “Believe in your dreams. That fire pushes you daily. If you aim for the world’s biggest races, just chase them. Trust yourself, enjoy the ride, and dare to believe.”
Pin added she’d tell her younger self to simply “trust” herself.
She explained, “Trust yourself—when you’re younger you think it’s impossible, then you do it and realize it was within reach. Always think ahead.”
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– The Team