Joshua Dürksen, new Mercedes development driver for 2026

Joshua Dürksen has reached a major milestone in his young career. At 22, the driver of Formula 2 joined Classic Mercedes for sale As a development driver from the 2026 season onwards, he will hold a strategic role that will involve working closely with the team's engineers in the simulator and during private test sessions. This is a significant recognition for someone who is simultaneously continuing his rise through the junior categories.

A rising star, particularly in Formula 2, Dürksen built his reputation in Formula 4, where he distinguished himself in the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and the ADAC series. After several seasons in FRECA, he moved up to Formula 2 in 2024 with AIX Racing. In his debut year, he secured four podium finishes, including two victories, finishing tenth in the championship. He continued this progress in 2025 with a ninth-place finish, four more wins, and a total of twelve podium finishes in two seasons. His latest victory, achieved at Yas Marina during the championship finale, has solidified his status as a driver to watch.

In 2026, Dürksen will take a significant step forward by joining Invicta Racing for his third F2 season after two years with AIX Racing. There, he will reunite with a prestigious teammate: Rafael Câmara, the reigning champion of Formula 3The objective is clear: to play a leading role and try to extend the British team's series of titles.

In parallel, he will have a role at Mercedes focused on technical development. The Paraguayan will conduct numerous simulator sessions at Brackley and participate in several TPC days, tests on older cars, which are invaluable for preparing the team for the new 2026 regulations. He will thus support Dorian Pinshe too was promoted to development pilot after her title in F1 Academy, while Anthony Davidson will continue his benchmark work in the simulator.

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Dürksen did not hide his enthusiasm on his social media: “I am very excited to join Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 as a development driver. I look forward to starting to work with the team and helping to make this year a success.” Between ambitions in F2 and immersion in the heart of a top F1 team, 2026 looks set to be decisive for the rise of the Paraguayan driver.