Mercedes Formula 1 Team has signed 22-year-old Paraguayan driver Joshua Duerksen as a development driver for the 2026 season. Duerksen, who has competed in FIA Formula 2 for the past two years, will continue racing with Invicta Racing while supporting Mercedes through simulator work and testing. This move bolsters Mercedes' young talent program alongside Doriane Pin.
The Mercedes Formula 1 Team announced on its official channels that Joshua Duerksen has joined as a development driver ahead of the 2026 season. The 22-year-old Paraguayan, who has secured four victories and 12 podiums in two seasons of FIA Formula 2 with AIX Racing, will embark on his third year in the series with reigning teams' champions Invicta Racing. This partnership provides Duerksen with Mercedes' backing, enhancing his career progression in the sport.
Duerksen's role with Mercedes includes simulator duties to aid the team's preparations and several days of Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) running. He joins fellow development driver Doriane Pin in the program, with retired driver Anthony Davidson continuing his contributions to simulator support and roster management. These responsibilities will complement Duerksen's full F2 schedule, starting with pre-season testing later this month and the season opener in Melbourne from March 6-8, 2026.
This signing reflects Mercedes' strategy to nurture emerging talent from the Formula 2 feeder series, positioning the Brackley-based outfit for competitiveness in the upcoming F1 campaign. Duerksen's experience in F2, where he has shown consistent podium contention, aligns with Mercedes' focus on drivers who can contribute to development while gaining racing exposure.
