Doriane Pin, a 22-year-old French driver and reigning 2025 F1 Academy Champion, made history by becoming the first woman to pilot a Mercedes Formula 1 car during her maiden test at Silverstone. Driving the W12 E Performance, the same car that helped secure the team's 2021 World Constructors’ Championship, Pin completed 76 laps, amounting to 200 kilometers of driving. Her preparation included extensive simulator work and collaboration with the Mercedes engineering team, which paid off as she impressed the team with her professionalism and ability to adapt to the powerful vehicle. Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin commended her performance, noting that she looked at home in the car. As she continues her journey, Pin will serve as a development driver for Mercedes, focusing on simulator work and mentoring younger drivers, including Payton Westcott, who will compete in the 2026 F1 Academy season. Pin expressed pride in her accomplishments, emphasizing that her identity as a female driver is just one aspect of her racing career.