Formula 1 history has been made! This weekend, Doriane Pin became the first female driver to take the helm of a Mercedes F1 car in a move that has drawn celebratory sentiments and congratulatory messages from across the motorsport world.
With the support of Toto and Susie Wolff behind her, Pin completed a feat that has never before been taken on by a female driver as she continues to pioneer the way for increased participation by women and girls in the motorsport. Here’s everything to know about this iconic history-making moment.
Doriane Pin’s Achievement Signals a Greater Shift in F1
In a sport long defined by barriers and breakthroughs, Pin has just delivered one of hte most significant milestones in recent F1 history. The 22-year-old French driver made headlines around the world after becoming the very first woman to drive a car on behalf of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team – an achievement which signals both personal progress and a wider shift in the sport.
The landmark moment came during a private test session at the iconic Silverstone Circuit when Pin got behind the wheel of the Mercedes W12, which is the car that helped secure the team’s 2021 Constructors’ Championship. Over the course of the test session, she completed 76 laps and covered more than 200 kilometers in what was her first experience driving official Formula 1 machinery.
The Test Session Completed By Pin Was Met With Cheers From the Mercedes F1 Leaders
While messages of congratulations and support came pouring in for Doriane Pin as she took on her historic feat, the leadership of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team was at the ready to be amongst the first to celebrate the endeavor with Doriane. Susie Wolff, wife to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and leader of the F1 Academy, sent Pin a video message before she even got into the car to make certain that the French driver knew she had full support behind her in her undertaking.
Doriane Pin Makes History as First Woman To Drive Mercedes F1 Car