Joshua Durksen has become the first Paraguayan racing driver to conduct a F1 test with Mercedes.
Durksen completed a two-day test at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão, Portugal, which saw him become the first Paraguayan to officially conduct a F1 test programme, having driven Mercedes’ W16 car which won two races in the 2025 season.
The two-day programme also marked Durksen’s maiden F1 test and the first Paraguayan driver to achieve the feat, having completed 187 laps, which totalled 875 kilometres of running.
Durksen described the test as a dream opportunity as he thanked Mercedes for entrusting him in the cockpit – with the 22-year-old having joined their development programme earlier this year, and values the learning which he hopes will inspire young people living in Paraguay.
“This is a day, and a week, that I will remember for the rest of my life. Driving a Formula One 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.
“I am incredibly grateful to Mercedes for the opportunity and for the trust they have placed in me. 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.
“Getting behind the wheel of the W16 was an unbelievable experience. 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. I hope this moment can inspire young people in Paraguay to believe that they can compete on the world stage too.”
Mercedes Deputy Team Principal, Bradley Lord added that Durksen delivered a quality performance across the test with a proper determination to gain education of F1 machinery.
“It’s always a special moment when a young driver gets their first experience of an F1 car and Joshua has done an excellent job throughout this test.
“He approached the programme with maturity, professionalism and a real desire to learn. 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.
“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.”
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