French driver Doriane Pin, winner of last year’s all-female F1 Academy series, has become the first woman to drive a Mercedes Formula 1 car.
The 22-year-old development driver completed 76 laps at the Silverstone National Circuit, in England, on Friday (17). In total, 200 km were driven in the W12 car that Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas drove to win the 2021 constructors’ title.
Pin is also the first French woman to drive a modern F1 car and one of the few women to do so in a category that has not had a female driver start in a grand prix for almost 50 years.
“It was a unique opportunity and I made sure to make the most of my day, as well as do the best work I could,” she said.
“Although being a female pilot doesn’t define me, it was great to show what we can do.”
Mercedes driver development consultant Gwen Lagrue, a Frenchman, said the team is proud of the historic milestone.
“I’m sure we will see a woman driving in F1 in the coming years and as a team we would be incredibly proud if we were able to achieve this goal with someone in our team,” he added.
“Doriane can certainly serve as an inspiration to those who follow in her footsteps as she continues her career and role as a development driver within our team.”
