Mercedes re-sign promising young talent

Mercedes has confirmed junior driver Doriane Pin will continue in F1 Academy next season with the team, after finishing second in her debut campaign.

The 20-year-old came into the year as favourite to take the title, but could not better eventual champion Abbi Pulling.

Pin will remain with PREMA Racing for the all-woman series, which she will dovetail once again with the Formula Regional European Championship and select rounds of United Arab Emirates F4 early in the year.

A decorated racer already, Pin has competed for Iron Dames, the project geared towards promoting and supporting female talent in motorsport, winning the Ferrari Challenge Europe in 2022 with nine victories from 14 rounds.

“I am excited to continue this journey together with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Iron Dames next year,” the French driver said.

“After becoming vice champion in F1 Academy in my maiden season, I am extremely motivated to go for the drivers’ title in 2025. I will be pushing myself hard to improve over the winter and hopefully can enjoy an even stronger season next year.”

Pin secured three wins and five further podium finishes in her first F1 Academy campaign.

Mercedes driver development advisor Gwen Lagrue said: “Doriane has enjoyed a very successful first season in single-seaters.

“Making the switch from GT and endurance cars is never easy, as both the driving style and skill set required is different. She has handled that change well, achieving success in several championships and competing strongly in F1 Academy.

“She has scored some notable successes and finishing second overall in her first season in the category is a superb achievement.

“Considering the progress she has taken this year and the experience she now has, we are confident that Doriane can fight for the F1 Academy title in 2025.

“We, along with Iron Dames, are looking forward to supporting her as she does so and looking forward to a successful year ahead.”