– Doriane Pin, 2025 F1 Academy champion, spoke about the influence seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton had on her career. In the podcast Beyond The Grid, Pin recalls how she looked up to the current Ferrari driver even as a child.
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“The person who inspired me is Lewis Hamilton – mainly because I started watching Formula 1 at home with my father when I was very young, and back then Lewis Hamilton was winning titles,” she reveals.
“My first memories are of his first title with Mercedes, his second title overall in 2014. That was my first memory, when he was fighting against his teammate Nico Rosberg. He inspired me a lot,” says Pin.
While she was initially just a fan, she later worked with the Briton at Mercedes, which was an intimidating prospect at first. Asked if it felt surreal that her childhood hero was following her progress in the F1 Academy, Pin replies: “Yes, it was.”
“I watched him for a very long time, and in the first year when I joined Mercedes, he was still at Mercedes,” says Pin, who reveals: “So I was able to get some advice and support from him, even until last year.”
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“We talked to each other sometimes when we saw each other, and he is always helpful and very approachable. I’m glad we met and happy that I had the chance to get advice from him.”
Pin joined the Mercedes junior program when she entered the women’s series in 2024. Supported by the team from Brackley, the 22-year-old secured the title in 2025 in her second year in the championship.
After winning the title, Pin signed with Mercedes as a development driver. “I can call anyone,” she said of the support from Mercedes, emphasizing: “They are really great. Very, very closely connected, helping each other and also very friendly.”
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“I have met many great people in the team and am very proud to have this chance to be part of the Mercedes family, to learn from them, spend time with them and win with them,” says Pin.
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