News Summary

Joshua Dürksen has completed his maiden Formula 1 test with Mercedes, becoming the first Paraguayan driver to drive a modern F1 car.

The Mercedes development driver completed a two-day programme at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, using the W16 raced by George Russell and Kimi Antonelli during the 2025 season.

Dürksen covered 187 laps and 875 km—almost three complete Grand Prix distances—as Mercedes combined systems familiarisation with performance runs. The test was conducted under Formula 1’s Testing of Previous Cars programme, which allows teams to use machinery at least 2 years old.

“Growing up as a kid in Paraguay, I thought dreaming about this moment was all we could do—until it became reality,” Dürksen wrote after completing the test.

Joshua Dürksen completed 187 laps during his first Formula 1 test with Mercedes (Photo: Mercedes)

Dürksen calls Mercedes F1 debut a lifelong memory

Mercedes signed Dürksen as a development driver at the beginning of 2026. His responsibilities include simulator work, engineering support and private testing alongside his Formula 2 programme with Invicta Racing.

“This is a day, and a week, that I will remember for the rest of my life,” Dürksen said. “Driving a Formula 1 car for the first time is something every young driver dreams about, and to do that as the first Paraguayan to reach this milestone makes it even more special.”

The 22-year-old thanked Mercedes, his family, sponsors and supporters in Paraguay for helping him reach a moment that once appeared remote.

“I am incredibly grateful to Mercedes for the opportunity and for the trust they have placed in me,” he continued. “So many people have supported me throughout my journey, from my family and sponsors to everyone back home in Paraguay who has followed my career and believed in me.”

The W16 won races during the 2025 season and represented a major step above the Formula 2 machinery Dürksen usually drives. The Paraguayan highlighted the braking performance and cornering speed as the most striking differences.

“Getting behind the wheel of the W16 was an unbelievable experience,” he said. “The performance, the braking, the cornering speeds—everything is on another level. I learned a huge amount over the two days and enjoyed every lap.”

Mercedes praises Dürksen’s maturity

Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord said Dürksen delivered what the engineering group expected while progressively building confidence in the car.

“He approached the programme with maturity, professionalism and a real desire to learn,” Lord said. “Over the two days, he worked effectively with the engineering team, developed his confidence progressively and delivered exactly what we were hoping to see from him.”

The Portimão mileage gave Mercedes an opportunity to compare Dürksen’s simulator feedback with his reactions in a real Formula 1 car. TPC programmes are not direct auditions for race seats, but they allow teams to assess communication, technical understanding, physical preparation and adaptation to F1 performance levels.

“This is an important step in his development, and he should be proud of what he has achieved, not only for himself but also for his country,” Lord added.

From Paraguay to Mercedes F1 machinery

Dürksen became Paraguay’s first Formula 2 race winner when he claimed victory in Baku in 2024. He joined Invicta for his third F2 campaign in 2026 and currently sits seventh in the championship with 90 points.

His strongest performance came at Monza, where he won both races. After charging through the field in the Sprint, Dürksen resisted teammate Rafael Câmara to complete a perfect Italian F2 weekend.

The Mercedes test does not provide an immediate route into a Formula 1 race seat. Russell and championship leader Antonelli form the team’s current line-up, while Dürksen’s development role is focused on simulator and engineering work.

However, the 875-km programme gives him valuable experience as Mercedes continues evaluating its longer-term driver structure.

“I hope this moment can inspire young people in Paraguay to believe that they can compete on the world stage too,” Dürksen said.

Dürksen will continue his Formula 2 campaign with Invicta while completing his development duties for Mercedes. Further TPC running forms part of the programme initially established when he joined the Formula 1 team.

F1 today: FAQ

When is the next Formula 1 race?

The next race is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit on Saturday, 26 September.

Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix being held on Saturday?

The race was moved forward to avoid Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day on Sunday, 27 September. Practice begins on Thursday, with qualifying on Friday and the Grand Prix on Saturday.

Who leads the 2026 Formula 1 championship?

Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship with 292 points. Mercedes teammate George Russell is second on 211, leaving Antonelli 81 points ahead with nine rounds remaining.

Which Mercedes F1 car did Joshua Dürksen drive?

Dürksen drove the Mercedes W16 used during the 2025 Formula 1 season.