F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff sent a heartfelt message to Doriane Pin ahead of her Formula 1 test with Mercedes at Silverstone.
The 22-year-old driver got behind the wheel of the Mercedes W12, which was driven by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in their 2021 campaign, at Silverstone. She became the first female driver to test a Mercedes F1 car.
Wolff, who was the last woman to participate in an F1 race weekend when she took part in a free practice session with Williams in 2014, sent a message to the 2025 F1 Academy champion ahead of her test.
"Doriane, our F1 Academy champion. Your first Formula 1 test. What a special day," Wolff said in a personal message to Pin. "It won't be until you're strapped in and they start up that engine that it will all become real. You'll get out onto the track at Silverstone. You won't believe how fast that car can go in a straight line.
"The Maggotts-Becketts section, what a brilliant corner section to drive in an F1 car. I know, like I was, you'll be super keen to post a quick lap time to show everybody what you're capable of. But build up to it, trust and listen to the engineers around you. They'll be guiding you on the day and enjoy every minute.
"We'll be rooting for you from a distance. We're proud of you, good luck."
This moment 🥹 pic.twitter.com/rsrSIPQRlW
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 18, 2026
When asked how it made her feel, Pin responded: "Very nice of Susie. Obviously, I've met incredible people thanks to F1 Academy and being with Mercedes, working with them for so many years.
"I've learned so much and I'm so happy to be driving a Formula 1 car for the first time together. She is an inspiration for all and she also drove a Formula 1 car for testing in Silverstone as well."
