Doriane Pin details historic Mercedes F1 test at Silverstone

2025 F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin has shed light on her maiden Formula 1 test with Mercedes at Silverstone.

The French driver opened up about the differences between the F1 machinery and other cars she has previously driven, such as the F1 Academy cars, which are equivalent to Formula 4, and the Ferrari 488 GTE from Ferrari Challenge Europe.

Pin became the first champion of the all-female racing series to take part in an F1 test, as well as the first woman to test a Mercedes F1 car. She was also promoted within the Brackley outfit to development driver after her championship victory.

"It was an amazing day, to be honest. One of the best days of my life. Driving a Formula 1 car is not very common," Pin explained during the Mercedes Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show. 

"I'm very lucky to have this opportunity, but today was amazing. Working closely with the team and improving throughout the day, and feeling this amazing car around Silverstone. It is big, and it is a good feeling.

"One of the best feelings I have in racing and driving a car. So I enjoyed every second of it."

Doriane Pin, Mercedes

Photo by: Mercedes AMG

She added: "There is nothing compared to Formula 1. I drove in LMP2, it's the first car we reach more than 300kph on the straight, especially in Le Mans. 320-325. But still, braking, combined downforce, the speed itself is another world compared to what I'm used to, and compared to what I've driven before.

"It's something that you don't expect until you drive it for the first time. Obviously, you need a bit of time to adapt and to understand how it works. But until you drive it, you have no idea how it feels, and how it will be.

"So a lot of surprises today, even though we prepared quite a lot for this test. And I feel I was in the right window to have a good day because I've been working closely with the engineers and the team before, so I think we prepared well for this test. So I was comfortable in the car today."