F1 EXPLAINS: How Formula 1 teams find future stars – with Mercedes' Doriane Pin

Junior driver programmes have become the norm for the majority of Formula 1 teams in the modern age, with each outfit selecting and supporting talented young drivers as they climb the motorsport ladder.

Red Bull signed a young Max Verstappen, Ferrari supported Charles Leclerc and Oliver Bearman, Lando Norris was part of the McLaren programme and Mercedes developed George Russell, Kimi Antonelli and Esteban Ocon during their junior racing.

F1 ACADEMY points leader Doriane Pin is also part of the Mercedes Junior Driver Programme and on F1 Explains, she tells host Christian Hewgill how Mercedes spotted her and answers your questions on what the team is doing to support her career.

The Mercedes programme is led by Gwen Lagrue, the man who discovered Russell, Antonelli and Ocon, and he explains to Hewgill how he identifies those with the most potential and ultimately decides if and when they are ready to step up to F3, F2 and, finally, F1.

The full episode of F1 Explains is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other podcast apps, or you can listen using the player above on this page.

F1 Explains is the award-winning official F1 podcast which answers your questions about the sport. You can send your questions to F1Explains@F1.com.