Joshua Dürksen becomes first Paraguayan to drive Formula 1 car

Joshua Dürksen, a 22-year-old Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 development driver, has become the first Paraguayan to drive a modern Formula 1 car. The milestone was achieved during a two-day testing program at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal.

Dürksen operated the Mercedes W16 E Performance, the car used by the team during the 2025 season. Over the course of the test, he completed 187 laps, covering a total distance of 875 kilometers, which is roughly equivalent to three full Grand Prix distances. The program focused on systems comprehension and performance runs, involving close collaboration with Mercedes engineers.

Mercedes Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord praised Dürksen’s performance, noting his maturity, professionalism, and strong desire to learn. Dürksen, who currently competes in Formula 2 with Invicta Racing, expressed that the experience was a lifelong dream and hoped his achievement would inspire young athletes in Paraguay to pursue careers on the global stage.