JOSHUA DÜRKSEN MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST PARAGUAYAN TO DRIVE A MODERN F1 CAR
Joshua Dürksen has made history by becoming the first Paraguayan driver to drive a modern Formula 1 car. The 22-year-old completed a two-day test with Mercedes at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, driving the Mercedes W16 used by the team during the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Dürksen completed 187 laps during the test, covering a total of 875 kilometres. The distance was close to three full Grand Prix race distances and gave the Mercedes development driver his first experience of Formula 1 machinery.
The test was carried out under Formula 1’s Testing of Previous Cars programme, known as TPC. This allows teams to run older Formula 1 cars at approved circuits, giving young and development drivers the opportunity to gain experience with F1 machinery.
Mercedes used the programme to work with Dürksen on understanding the car’s systems as well as performance runs. The Paraguayan worked closely with the team’s engineers throughout the two days, gradually building confidence in the W16 and completing the planned programme.
Dürksen described driving the W16 as an unbelievable experience, highlighting the performance of the car, its braking power and the speed it can carry through corners. He also thanked Mercedes, his family, sponsors and the people in Paraguay who have followed his career.
The test represents another important step in Dürksen’s relationship with Mercedes. He joined the Mercedes development programme in 2026, becoming the first Paraguayan driver to officially become part of a Formula 1 team’s driver programme. He is also currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Invicta Racing.
Dürksen’s junior career has taken him through several categories on the single-seater ladder. He competed in Formula 4 before moving into Formula Regional and later Formula 2, where he has continued his development against drivers aiming to reach Formula 1.
There was also a previous Paraguayan connection with Formula 1 machinery. Danny Candia drove a 2008 Renault Formula 1 car at Magny-Cours in 2010, but Dürksen is the first Paraguayan to drive a modern F1 car as part of a current Formula 1 team programme.
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord praised Dürksen’s approach during the test, saying that the driver worked with maturity and professionalism and showed a strong desire to learn. The team also highlighted his progress in working with its engineering group and building confidence during the two days.
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