Formula 1 will add a name in 2026 that marks a milestone for South American motorsport. Joshua was confirmed as a Mercedes development driver, becoming the first Paraguayan to join the structure of a top-tier team. The news represents a historic step both for the driver and for his country.
Duerksen’s inclusion in Mercedes’ program is part of the German team’s strategy to strengthen its young talent development area. The role of a development driver involves simulator work, technical testing, and preparation tasks that are key to the team’s operation throughout the season.
For Paraguayan motorsport, the announcement carries significant symbolic value. Never before had a driver from the country reached a formal position within a Formula 1 team structure, placing Duerksen as an immediate reference for new generations looking to make their way in international motorsport.
Mercedes highlighted the driver’s profile and his progression through the junior categories. The team closely followed his development and considered that his addition brings a fresh perspective and extra support to the technical development work ahead of upcoming regulatory challenges.
Duerksen himself described the opportunity as a decisive step in his career. Joining a structure like Mercedes not only brings prestige, but also access to top-level tools and a competitive environment that allows him to accelerate his professional growth.
The development driver role is not limited to off-track work. It also includes participation in private sessions, data analysis, and constant collaboration with engineers, all fundamental aspects of the team’s overall performance during the season.
On the international stage, the arrival of a Paraguayan driver at Mercedes reinforces the diversity of nationalities present in Formula 1. The category continues to expand its reach and add talent from markets that have historically been underrepresented.
For Mercedes, the move fits within a long-term plan. The team aims to secure a solid base of drivers prepared to take on different roles, both in the present and in the future.
Duerksen’s appointment as a development driver for 2026 marks a turning point. It not only opens a new chapter in his personal career, but also places Paraguay on the Formula 1 map with a concrete presence inside one of the most influential teams in the championship.