2025 F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin has opened up about the influence seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has had on her career.
During an appearance on the Beyond The Grid podcast, Pin fondly recalled looking up to the Ferrari driver as she grew up.
"The one who inspired me is Lewis Hamilton, mainly because when I started watching Formula 1 when I was very little with my dad at home, it was Lewis Hamilton winning titles," she explained.
"My first memories are when it was his first title with Mercedes, second title for him now in 2014. So that was my first memory when he fought with his team-mate Nico Rosberg. So, he inspired me a lot."
Transitioning from a fan to working with the Briton at Mercedes was inevitably a daunting prospect. Asked if it felt surreal to have her childhood hero watching her progress through the F1 Academy, Pin said: "Yes, it was. It was because I was watching him for a very long time, and the first year I joined Mercedes, he was still in Mercedes.
"So, I was able to have some advice and support from him, and it's still up to last year. We discussed a bit sometimes when we see each other, and he's there to help and very easy to talk with. So, I'm glad we met and I'm glad I had the chance to get some advice from him."
Pin joined the Mercedes junior programme when she entered the all-female racing series in 2024. Backed by the Brackley outfit, the 22-year-old secured the title in her second year in the championship.
After clinching the title, Pin has signed with Mercedes as a development driver.
"I can ring anyone," Pin said when asked of the support from Mercedes. "They are very good. Very, very close to each other, helping each other, very friendly as well.
"I met a lot of amazing people within the team, and very proud to have this chance to be with the Mercedes family, learning from them, spending time with them and winning with them as well."
