Joshua Duerksen becomes first Paraguayan to drive F1 car

Paraguayan racing driver Joshua Duerksen has become the first citizen of Paraguay to drive a Formula 1 car. As a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 development driver, the 22-year-old completed a two-day testing program at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal using the W16 E Performance model.

Duerksen, who has German roots and is fluent in German, discussed his dual connection to both nations. He explained that while he initially raced under the German flag to secure support from the ADAC Brandenburg, he transitioned to representing Paraguay as interest and sponsorship from his home country grew. He expressed a desire to act as a bridge between both cultures as he pursues a career in Formula 1.