F1 Explains How F1 teams find future stars – with Mercedes
Jul 31, 2025
Doriane Pin, a rising star and leader in the F1 Academy, shares her journey through the Mercedes Junior Driver Programme. Gwen Lagrue, the head of this program, discusses how they identify and nurture young talent, including standout drivers like George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. They explore the challenges of racing, from funding to the importance of mentorship. The duo emphasizes how Mercedes provides vital track exposure and support systems to ensure the next generation of racers is well-prepared for the competitive world of Formula 1.
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Doriane Pin's Early Challenges
- Doriane Pin started karting at age nine after accompanying her dad to kart events since she was five.
- She faced significant financial challenges and had to work hard to find sponsors and support.
Early Scouting and Trust Building
- Mercedes Junior Driver Programme starts scouting drivers from ages 8 to 11, focusing on go-kart championships.
- Building trust and strong personal relationships with drivers and their families is key to their development.
Timing Driver Progression
- Assess readiness to progress from karting to cars not just by results, but also by maturity and life readiness.
- Sometimes keeping a driver an extra year in karting can lead to a better transition and stronger future performance.