Joshua Dürksen Becomes First Paraguayan to Drive a Modern F1 Car in Mercedes F1 Test

September, 23, 2026: Joshua Dürksen has completed his maiden Formula One test with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, becoming the first Paraguayan driver to drive a modern Formula One car. The 22-year-old Mercedes Development Driver completed a two-day test at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal, behind the wheel of the team’s race-winning 2025 Mercedes W16 E Performance.

The test marks a major milestone in Dürksen’s motorsport career and a historic moment for Paraguayan motorsport. Earlier this year, he became the first Paraguayan driver to officially join an F1 team’s programme. His latest achievement now sees him become the first driver from Paraguay to take a modern Formula One car onto a circuit.

During the two-day programme in Portugal, Dürksen worked closely with Mercedes engineers as he completed a comprehensive testing schedule focused on systems understanding, performance runs and gaining experience with the team’s Formula One machinery.

He completed 187 laps covering 875 kilometres, a distance equivalent to almost three full Grand Prix distances.

“This is a day, and a week, that I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Dürksen. “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.”

Dürksen also thanked Mercedes and the people who have supported his career, including his family, sponsors and supporters in Paraguay.

“Getting behind the wheel of the W16 was an unbelievable experience. The performance, the braking, the cornering speeds: everything is on another level,” he added. “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 impressed with Dürksen’s F1 test

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord praised Dürksen’s approach throughout the Portimão test.

“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,” said Lord.

According to Mercedes, Dürksen approached the programme with maturity and professionalism, working effectively with the engineering team and progressively building his confidence during the two days.

Lord added that the test represents an important step in Dürksen’s development and that he should be proud of the achievement both personally and as a representative of Paraguay.

Dürksen continues F2 campaign and Mercedes development role

Dürksen has progressed through the junior single-seater ranks and established himself as a competitive Formula 2 driver, recording multiple victories and podium finishes while regularly fighting at the front of the field.

His Portimão Formula One test is the latest step in that progression. Alongside his Formula 2 commitments, Dürksen continues to carry out his responsibilities as a Mercedes Development Driver, contributing to simulator development and other engineering activities.

The two-day Mercedes F1 test in Portugal therefore provides Dürksen with valuable first-hand experience of contemporary Formula One machinery while adding another significant milestone to his career.

For Paraguayan motorsport, however, the achievement carries an even greater significance: Joshua Dürksen has become the first driver from Paraguay to drive a modern Formula One car.