Mercedes driver breaks ribs and has to miss iconic race

Bad news for Doriane Pin. The driver who competes for Mercedes in the F1 Academy has some broken ribs and therefore cannot participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. She was due to compete in it on behalf of the Iron Dames team.

Pin sustained the injury during a FRECA race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit last weekend, although it was not immediately clear that the Frenchwoman had broken her ribs. That only came to light a few days later after she continued to suffer. For now, Pin must rest, so her participation in Le Mans will be cancelled. This iconic race is next on 15 and 16 June.

However, Pin is expected to be employable again for Mercedes at the next F1 Academy races. Those will take place the week after Le Mans at the Barcelona circuit. In the F1 Academy championship, Pin is in second place. This is partly due to her disqualification Jeddah earlier this season.

Pin crossed the line first, but did not realise the race was over with that. At full speed and while yellow flags were being waved all over the track, she dashed through. Race officials later decided to take the win away from her because of this offence.