Paraguayan driver Joshua Duerksen, 22, became the first compatriot to drive a Formula 1 car. The feat occurred during private tests held by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal. Duerksen drove the W16 E Performance model used by the team in the 2025 season.
The activity was part of the official "Testing of Previous Cars" (TPC) program, authorized by the International Automobile Federation (FIA). This regulation allows teams to conduct trials with cars from previous seasons. As a development driver for Mercedes for the 2026 season, Duerksen had direct access to the team's technical infrastructure, working with engineers to understand the vehicle's systems and complete performance runs.
During the two days of testing, the young driver completed 187 laps, covering approximately 875 kilometers — a distance equivalent to three full Grand Prix races. In statements released after the session, Duerksen described the experience as "another level," highlighting braking and cornering speeds superior to those in junior categories. "This is a day, and a week, that I will remember for the rest of my life. Driving a Formula 1 car for the first time is something every young driver dreams of, and doing it as the first Paraguayan to reach this milestone makes everything even more special," he said.
On social media, Duerksen summarized the moment: "The dream of a lifetime. Thanks be to God." His girlfriend, Anneke Rahn, also celebrated the achievement. The religious singer, who accompanied the test in Portugal, shared a photo of the couple on Instagram stories with the caption: "My love, I am so proud of you." The couple has been in a relationship for nearly four years.
Duerksen's career began at a kart track located behind Ñu Guazú Park in Asunción when he was just 11 years old. After moving to Europe and the Middle East, he competed in Formula 4 and regional formulas before reaching Formula 2. In 2024, racing for AIX Racing, he won a race in Baku, becoming the first Paraguayan to win a race in that category. Currently, he competes for Invicta Racing in Formula 2, where he recently achieved double victories in Monza.
Despite the historic feat, Duerksen is not part of the Formula 1 starting grid. He continues to work as a development driver, operating simulators and handling technical tasks while maintaining his competitive career in the feeder series. Mercedes' announcement on social media celebrated the moment: "Our development driver, Joshua Duerksen, finishes his first TPC with the team... Paraguay, this is for you."