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Doriane Pin’s F1 Dream: From F1 Academy Champion to Endurance Star, what’s Next for the “Pocket Rocket”?
November 28, 2024
The roar of engines and the pursuit of a lifelong dream are at the heart of motorsports, and for French phenom Doriane Pin, that dream is Formula 1. Fresh off her dominant victory in the 2025 F1 Academy season on November 24th in Las Vegas, the 21-year-old rising star is setting her sights on a challenging, yet potentially F1-paving, path in endurance racing.
Endurance Racing: The Next Crucial Step
Pin, affectionately known as the “Pocket Rocket,” recently shared her aspiring plans for the 2026 season during a motorsports awards evening on Canal+ F1. While discussions are ongoing, her immediate focus is clear: a move into the demanding world of endurance racing, with a specific target on the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Hypercar category.
“We are still in discussions for 2026, we are going to move towards Endurance with the 24 hours of Le mans with the Hypercar as a short-term project,” Pin revealed. “Nothing is done but that’s the project.”
This strategic pivot to endurance racing is a well-trodden path for many aspiring F1 drivers. Think of the legendary career of Fernando Alonso, who successfully transitioned to Le Mans and the Indy 500, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. For Pin, this experience will undoubtedly hone her race craft, strategic thinking, and ability to manage demanding, multi-hour races – skills that are invaluable even in the sprint format of Formula 1.
Keeping the F1 Connection Alive with Mercedes
Crucially, Pin is not abandoning her Formula 1 aspirations. She emphasized her desire to maintain a strong connection with Mercedes, the powerhouse team that has supported her through their young driver program. this ongoing relationship is vital, as she has already begun training on an F1 simulator with the German manufacturer.
“I started the F1 simulator last week,” she shared with a hint of excitement. “And, if all goes well, there would be a test planned… but you have to work.”
This simulator work is more than just practice; it’s a tangible step towards understanding the intricacies of an F1 car and the demands placed on its drivers. For American fans who have followed the careers of drivers like Colton Herta, who has had F1 testing opportunities, the path Pin is forging is a familiar one. The simulator provides a controlled surroundings to learn car dynamics, race strategies, and feedback protocols, all while building a relationship with a potential future F1 team.
The Long Road to F1: A Realistic Outlook
While the allure of Formula 1 is undeniable,Pin demonstrates a mature and grounded approach to her career. She understands that the journey is a marathon,not a sprint,and that each step must be carefully considered.
“Endurance is an extraordinary world and my priority,but my ultimate goal is F1,” the young woman confided previously. “We will see the opportunities in the future. I am very lucid and I take the steps one after the other. This is what has motivated me since I was 4 years old. In this environment, you have to be aware of what you are doing and above all keep your feet on the ground.”
Her perspective is a refreshing counterpoint to the frequently enough-impatient nature of motorsports. The history of women in Formula 1 is a stark reminder of the challenges. In its 75-year history, only five women have secured a seat, and just two have competed in Grands Prix. The last woman to start an F1 race was Lella Lombardi in 1976. Pin’s success in F1 Academy and her clear,
