Joshua Duerksen has completed his first Formula 1 test for Mercedes at the Autodromo do Algarve in Portugal. The Formula 2 race winner spent two days driving a W16 car at the Portuguese circuit.
The test represents a significant milestone for Duerksen as the first Paraguayan driver to test a Formula 1 car. He described the experience as something every young driver dreams about and noted the special significance of being the first from his country to reach this level.
Duerksen said this was a day and week he will remember for the rest of his life. The test took place at a circuit that will host a round of the 2027 Formula 1 calendar, providing him with experience on a track that will feature in future championship competition.
The Mercedes test car was a W16 model of the type raced by the team last year. This type of testing opportunity typically forms part of young driver development programs run by Formula 1 teams to evaluate potential future talent.
Duerksen is a race winner in Formula 2, the championship immediately below Formula 1.