Mercedes adds female racer Pin to F1 junior team

Mercedes has announced that Doriane Pin has joined its Formula 1Junior Programme for the 2024 season. Pin is the second femaleracer to join the Mercedes junior team after Luna Fluxá and willcompete in the F1 Academy in Mercedes colours this year with PremaRacing. The French driver graduated from karting in 2020 andenjoyed a successful 2021 campaign that saw her score five podiumsin the Le Mans Cup while also being crowned the Ferrari ChallengeEurope champion. Pin also scored victory at the 24 Hours of Spawith Iron Dames and a class win at the European Le Mans Series fromPortimao. Her 2023 season saw her compete at a handful of rounds inthe IMSA SportsCar Championship as well as regional Formula 4outings. "I am incredibly happy to join the Mercedes-AMG F1 TeamJunior Programme and to represent the team in F1 Academy this yearwith Prema Racing,” Pin said. “A new chapter begins, and I am proudto make this next step in such a prestigious team and with the IronDames project. “I am grateful for their trust and honoured to racefor their colours. Moving into single-seaters was a clear objectivefor my career, and to be in this environment is a great approach.“I am working very hard to reach the top level of this sport and Icannot wait to go racing." The F1 Academy series will get underwayon March 8 from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia.