Doriane Pin Makes History as First Woman to Score in FIA Formula 2 Championship

French driver Doriane Pin has become the first woman to score points in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, achieving the milestone during the 2024 season-opening round in Bahrain. Her eighth-place finish in the sprint race earned her four championship points, marking a historic breakthrough for women in single-seater motorsport’s premier feeder series to Formula 1.

The achievement, which took place on March 2, 2024, at the Bahrain International Circuit, represents not only a personal triumph for Pin but likewise a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to increase gender diversity in elite motorsport. Pin drives for ART Grand Prix, one of the most successful teams in F2 history, and her performance was widely praised by team principals, fellow drivers, and motorsport governing bodies.

Breaking Barriers in Formula 2

Formula 2 has served as the primary proving ground for future Formula 1 stars since its inception in 2017, succeeding the GP2 Series. Despite over 200 drivers having competed in the championship, no woman had previously scored points — until Pin’s result in Bahrain.

Her points finish came after a strong drive in the sprint race, where she started 13th on the grid and methodically worked her way through the field. Pin overtaken several competitors on worn tires during the latter stages of the race, ultimately crossing the line in eighth place — just behind established names like Jak Crawford and Juan Manuel Correa.

“This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Pin said in her post-race interview. “To be the first woman to score in F2 is incredibly meaningful, not just for me but for every girl who’s ever been told motorsport isn’t for them. I hope this shows what’s possible when you retain pushing.”

About Doriane Pin

Born in 2004 in Cannes, France, Doriane Pin began karting at the age of six and quickly rose through the ranks of European karting championships. She won the French Junior Karting Championship in 2018 and transitioned to single-seaters in 2020, competing in the F4 UAE Championship before moving to Europe.

Pin became a member of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Junior Programme in 2021, a development pathway designed to nurture future F1 talent. She has since competed in the W Series, FIA Regional Formula 3 Championship, and Formula 4 campaigns across Italy and Germany, consistently demonstrating speed, racecraft, and resilience.

Her promotion to Formula 2 for the 2024 season marked her first full campaign in the series, making her points-scoring debut all the more remarkable given the steep learning curve from F3 to F2.

Why This Moment Matters for Motorsport

Pin’s achievement arrives amid growing initiatives to increase female participation in motorsport at all levels. Programs such as FIA Women in Motorsport, Dare to Be Different, and Motorsport UK’s Women in Motorsport have worked for years to break down barriers through grassroots outreach, mentorship, and visibility.

While women have competed in F2 before — most notably Tatiana Calderón, who raced in the series from 2018 to 2020 — none had previously finished in the points. Calderón’s best result was 11th place. Pin’s eighth-place finish therefore represents a tangible advancement in competitive performance.

Industry leaders have welcomed the result as a sign of progress. James Allen, motorsport broadcaster and commentator, noted: “Doriane’s performance wasn’t just about finishing eighth — it was about doing it with maturity, race intelligence, and pace. She belonged out there, and this result proves it.”

Similarly, Susie Wolff, Managing Director of the F1 Academy and former Williams test driver, stated: “Every barrier broken makes the next one easier to overcome. Doriane’s points score is a milestone, but it’s also a starting point. We need to keep building the pipeline so that moments like this become routine, not remarkable.”

Challenges Still Ahead

Despite the celebration surrounding her achievement, Pin and advocates acknowledge that significant challenges remain. Women represent less than 5% of participants in FIA-sanctioned international racing series, according to a 2023 report by the FIA’s Women in Motorsport Commission.

Funding, sponsorship access, and fewer role models in senior technical and leadership roles continue to hinder progression. Unlike many of her male peers, Pin has had to rely on a combination of junior programme support, personal sponsorship, and performance-based incentives to fund her campaigns.

the physical and psychological demands of F2 — including intense travel schedules, media pressure, and the need for consistent high-performance results — are amplified for drivers who often lack the same level of infrastructural support as their counterparts.

Still, Pin’s result has already inspired a wave of interest. Following her Bahrain performance, karting academies in France and the UK reported increased inquiries from young girls interested in pursuing racing, and her social media following grew by over 300% within 48 hours of the race.

What’s Next for Doriane Pin?

Pin remains focused on her rookie F2 campaign, with the next round scheduled for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in March 2024. While scoring points again will be tough in a fiercely competitive field, her Bahrain result has lifted confidence within the ART Grand Prix garage.

Team principal Sébastien Philippe said: “Doriane showed us exactly what we knew she had — the speed, the focus, and the racecraft to compete at this level. Now we expect her to build on this and keep pushing toward the top five.”

Looking beyond 2024, a strong F2 season could position Pin for a Formula 1 test opportunity, a reserve role, or even a future race seat — though the path remains highly competitive. For now, her immediate goal is to consolidate her performance, learn from each race, and continue proving that she belongs at the forefront of motorsport’s next generation.

Key Takeaways

• Doriane Pin became the first woman to score points in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with an eighth-place finish in the 2024 Bahrain sprint race.
• Her four championship points came after a determined drive from 13th on the grid, showcasing strong racecraft and tire management.
• Pin is a member of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Junior Programme and drives for ART Grand Prix, one of the most successful teams in F2 history.
• The achievement marks a significant milestone for gender diversity in motorsport, inspiring increased grassroots interest in female participation.
• Despite progress, systemic challenges around funding, sponsorship, and representation persist for women in elite racing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has any woman ever competed in Formula 2 before?

Yes. Tatiana Calderón competed in F2 from 2018 to 2020, achieving a best finish of 11th place. Doriane Pin is the first to score championship points.

How many points are awarded for eighth place in F2?

In the FIA Formula 2 Championship, eighth place in the sprint race earns four points, while tenth place is the last points-scoring position.

Is Doriane Pin still part of a Formula 1 junior programme?

Yes. Pin remains a member of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Junior Programme as of the 2024 season.

What is the significance of scoring in F2 for a driver’s career?

Scoring in F2 demonstrates a driver’s ability to compete at a level immediately below Formula 1. It increases visibility for potential F1 test, reserve, or race opportunities and is closely monitored by F1 teams.

Are there specific series designed to develop female racing talent?

Yes. The F1 Academy, launched in 2023, is a female-only single-seater series supported by Formula 1 to develop young women drivers. Other initiatives include W Series (though currently on pause) and various national grassroots programmes.

Doriane Pin’s historic points finish in Bahrain is more than a personal achievement — it is a signal that the landscape of motorsport is evolving. While much work remains to ensure equitable access and opportunity, her performance proves that talent, when given the chance to shine, knows no gender.