Joshua Duerksen wins F2 sprint race at Spa-Francorchamps and climbs the championship standings

Joshua Duerksen won the Formula 2 sprint race at Spa-Francorchamps, moving up to 10th place in the championship.

Joshua Duerksen wins F2 sprint race at Spa-Francorchamps and climbs the championship standings
AI-generated illustration.

Paraguayan driver Joshua Duerksen returned to the FIA Formula 2 podium with an impressive victory in the Belgian Grand Prix sprint race, held at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Representing the Invicta Racing team, the 22-year-old Duerksen started from fourth position thanks to the reverse grid system and delivered a flawless start.

With precise maneuvers, the Paraguayan driver overtook Colombian-American Sebastián Montoya (Prema Racing) and Norwegian Martinius Stenshorne (Rodin Motorsport), taking the lead on lap 11. Even under pressure, Duerksen held the position until the end, crossing the finish line in first place.

This victory marks Duerksen's second of the 2026 season, following his triumph at the opening round in Melbourne, Australia. With the 10 points earned, the Paraguayan driver moved up from 15th to 10th place in the championship, which is led by Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov (Campos Racing).

In addition to competing in Formula 2, Duerksen serves as a development driver for the Mercedes Formula 1 team. This Sunday, he will have another chance to score points in the Belgian Grand Prix's Feature Race, which starts at 5 a.m. (Paraguay time).

Sources (3)

Updated: Jul 19, 2026, 1:30 AM