F1 Academy champion rewarded with Mercedes F1 test chance

The 22-year-old French driver came out on top last season ahead of Maya Weug, becoming the third champion of the all-female series after Marta García in 2023 and Abbi Pulling in 2024.

Pin had the chance to take to the track at the iconic Silverstone circuit behind the wheel of the Mercedes W12, the same car Lewis Hamilton used when he lost the title in the infamous 2021 Abu Dhabi finale to Max Verstappen.

She also became the first woman ever to drive a Mercedes Formula 1 car in the team’s history.

The reigning champion also received a special message from Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, who congratulated her on the opportunity.

She highlighted how special the moment would be, explaining that it would truly sink in only once she was strapped into the car and the engine fired up.

She pointed out the sheer speed the car would carry, particularly on the straights and through iconic sections like Maggots and Becketts, describing them as an incredible experience in an F1 machine.

While acknowledging the natural urge to push for a quick lap time, she stressed the importance of building up gradually, trusting the engineers and following their guidance. Above all, she encouraged her to enjoy every second of the experience, adding that the entire team would be supporting her and was proud of her achievement.