Doriane Pin: F1 Academy Champion Joins Peugeot for Endurance Racing & Remains with Mercedes F1

Le Mans, France – Doriane Pin, the reigning champion of the F1 Academy, has been appointed as a Development Driver for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, marking a significant step in her burgeoning motorsport career. The announcement, made by the French team, sees Pin return to endurance racing and contribute to the development of the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar. This new role comes on the heels of her historic 2025 F1 Academy title, a championship designed to foster female talent in single-seater racing.

The 22-year-old French racer expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “Joining Peugeot is a great source of pride for me. Being able to contribute to the development of the PEUGEOT 9X8 represents a real opportunity: my goal is to learn as much as possible, to fully integrate into the team and to bring my commitment and perspective to contribute to the success of the project.”

A Dual Role in Motorsport

Pin’s appointment with Peugeot isn’t her only commitment in the world of motorsport. She similarly holds the position of Development Driver for Mercedes’ Formula 1 team, a testament to her growing reputation and potential within the racing community. Her initial goal, as previously stated, remains progression towards a potential Formula 1 race seat. This dual role allows her to gain experience across different disciplines of motorsport, broadening her skillset and providing valuable insights.

Prior to her success in F1 Academy, Pin competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) from 2022 to 2024 in the GT3 category, gaining valuable experience in endurance racing. This prior experience will undoubtedly be beneficial as she transitions to the development role with Peugeot. The WEC is known for its grueling races, demanding both driver skill and mechanical reliability, making it a challenging but rewarding arena for competition.

“Pocket Rocket” Eyes Official Peugeot Drive

Known affectionately as “Pocket Rocket” due to her smaller stature, Pin is determined to leverage this development role into a full-time racing position with Peugeot. “This is a big step towards my goals, and I am determined to make the most of it to eventually become an official driver,” she added. The development driver role will involve extensive testing and simulation work, providing Pin with the opportunity to contribute directly to the performance of the PEUGEOT 9X8.

The PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar is a cutting-edge prototype designed to compete in the top class of the WEC. It features a hybrid powertrain and innovative aerodynamic design, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Pin’s input will be crucial in refining the car’s performance and ensuring it remains competitive against rivals such as Toyota, Porsche, and Ferrari.

Challenges and Opportunities for Female Drivers

Pin’s journey highlights the ongoing challenges faced by female drivers in motorsport. Her father, Renaud, previously noted the hurdles she must overcome, stating, “She has all the capabilities to obtain there, everyone has seen that. Except that she is a girl and that remains a brake. If it were a guy, she would be in Formula 1 or at the gates of Formula 1. And there, she has to prove herself twice as much.” This sentiment underscores the need for continued efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport.

Though, Pin’s success is also a testament to the growing opportunities for women in motorsport. The creation of the F1 Academy, for example, demonstrates a commitment to providing a platform for female drivers to develop their skills and compete at a high level. Her appointment by Peugeot further reinforces this trend, signaling a willingness within established teams to invest in female talent.

Looking Ahead: Bahrain Rookie Test and Beyond

Pin’s immediate focus will be on contributing to the development of the PEUGEOT 9X8. She is also scheduled to participate in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship Rookie Test in Bahrain this November. This test will provide her with valuable track time and the opportunity to demonstrate her capabilities to the Peugeot team. The Bahrain International Circuit is a challenging track known for its high speeds and demanding corners, making it an ideal venue for evaluating driver performance.

The Rookie Test is a crucial stepping stone for aspiring endurance racers, offering a chance to impress team bosses and potentially secure a race seat for the following season. Pin’s performance in Bahrain will be closely watched by both Peugeot and the wider motorsport community.

Doriane Pin’s career trajectory is one to watch. Her dedication, talent, and dual roles with both Peugeot and Mercedes position her as a rising star in the world of motorsport. The combination of her F1 Academy success and her return to endurance racing with a prestigious manufacturer like Peugeot sets the stage for a potentially brilliant future.

The next confirmed checkpoint for Doriane Pin is the FIA World Endurance Championship Rookie Test in Bahrain this November. Fans can follow updates on her progress through the official Peugeot Sport social media channels and the FIA WEC website.