INTERVIEW: For F1 Academy Champion Doriane Pin, the future remains unclear

Unlike last year's F1 Academy Champion Abbi Pulling, who made the leap to the GB3 Championship this season, there is no such opportunity on this occasion for Pin.

There is, however, a considerable prize fund that will open doors and provide her with a seat somewhere for next season, although at this late stage in the year, she knows she will need to move fast as seats are being filled.

"We can decide where we want to go," said Pin, speaking with this writer in an interview the day after her title triumph around the Las Vegas Street Circuit. The deal was to win the Championship, so it's complete now. It's checked. Now we will start discussions for next year and for the future.

"We don't know yet where we are going because we finished the season in mid-November, so it's already late. We will, for sure, make some decisions in the next few weeks. The goal is hopefully staying with Mercedes, and we have a successful career together, and a long one."

That was with reference to the fact Pin has been supported by Mercedes since being signed to its junior team at the start of last year. Following her Championship win she was joined in the pit lane for the immediate celebrations by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, along with current Formula 1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

That continued support will be crucial for Pin's future. "We finished the season together, so we will definitely have a full discussion with the team," confirmed Pin.

The ace up Pin's sleeve is her versatility. The Frenchwoman has not pigeon-holed herself with single-seaters in recent years, but has instead raced in various categories.

Additionally supported by Prema, over the past two years Pin has competed in the Formula 4 South East Asia and UAE Championships, as well as the Formula Regional European Championship. Prema also helped her compete in the LMP2 class of the World Endurance Championship in 2023, which included an outing at Le Mans.

With the Iron Dames she took part in last year's Formula Regional European Championship, along with outings in WEC's GT3 class, and a run in the GTD category of the IMSA Sportscar Championship.

As to Pin's preference for 2026, it is a case of wait and see. "I like both single-seater and sportscars, obviously, because they're high-level, and you always fight with the best in the world," she said.

"When I raced in WEC, it was very competitive and a very beautiful Championship, but single-seater has been a really good experience over the last two years."

Indicating the likely path ahead, she added: "My ultimate goal in my racing career is Formula 1, and I want to achieve that. It will take a bit of time, but hopefully I will reach my goal one day."

You sense that, ideally, Pin will need the ongoing support of Mercedes to achieve that aim. Appreciably, her gratitude towards it is palpable.

"When I joined the programme, it was one of the most important moments of my career," she said. "They've been very supportive from day one, the whole team, Toto, and all the junior programme team members.

"They've been on track with me, always supporting me, and always bringing some new innovation to improve and to keep going. Definitely, the success that we have had [in F1 Academy] is thanks to them — part of it. I'm glad we started to write a story together, and hopefully it's going to be a long one."

Adding to that "beautiful story" is Prema Racing, the junior category leviathan, which has been by her side for the last three years, and Iron Dames, an association that stretches back to 2021, without whom, she says, she would not be here today.

And then, quite naturally, there is F1 Academy boss Susie Wolff, whose initiative and innovation has provided a solid platform for female drivers to showcase their talents, and perhaps, one day, realise the natural dream of seeing a woman competing in F1.

"She is pushing boundaries even further," said Pin. "We are so lucky to be part of this Championship, this journey, to be selected to race alongside Formula 1, and to have this opportunity to work with the F1 teams.”

"Over the last three years, the impact of the Championship has been huge. She's definitely the one that drives all of it, and she's very inspiring because she was a driver before, and now she's changing the world of motorsport. She has definitely made the difference on that side."

Of course, whilst there have been many along the way who have played their part in the triumph Pin savoured on Saturday, without her personal drive and determination to overcome the obstacles she has faced over the past 12 years, as a female trying to make her way in a male-dominated world, it would be a very different story.

"It has been a very long journey up until now," she shared. "The financial part is one side of it. It's always been a struggle for many years.

"We're always finding the support to be able to compete in the good Championships, and be in the right place in the right moment. We have been able to achieve some great successes in endurance, and now in single-seaters.

"Obviously, we cannot do this career alone, and the support was definitely needed. It's so important to have those experienced people around you to take you to the top and help you become a better driver, and a better person as well off-track. I'm very grateful for all the people who have been involved.”

"Also, on my side, I never give up. I really push for what I love. Even in the tough moments, I always think it is still possible to make it. It's the mindset that makes the difference. I'm sure all these challenges have helped me to grow and be who I am today."

Pin concedes she has had to "prove [herself] even more" because she is a woman, adding: "You feel different, but inside you don't want to feel that you're different. You just want to race and compete at the same level. If you work hard, and if you are talented enough, you definitely have your place with everyone, no matter the gender."

For a short while, Pin will at least allow herself to savour in her success, and the "amazing feeling" that has come with her being F1 Academy Champion.

"I'm very happy with this achievement," she said. "Obviously, I've put a lot of work into it over the last two years, achieving this success with everyone who has been involved. It's just fantastic.

"The last run in Vegas was especially very good for us, and I was able to enjoy it. It's even better to win a Championship when it plays out in the very last race of the season."

As to what comes next, only time will tell. Pin is acutely aware, though, it is a decision that will have serious ramifications on the rest of her career.

Images courtesy of Getty Images.