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As names like Ollie Bearman, Franco Colapinto and Kimi Antonelli have made their move to Formula 1 this season—some securing seats for 2025—the spotlight on Formula 2 might seem to have shifted. But the championship is far from short on rising stars. Among them is Joshua Duerksen, a 20 year-old rookie who has quickly shown that he is one to watch.
With his recent victory in the Baku Sprint Race, the Paraguayan driver has not only secured his first win in the series but also written a new chapter in his country’s motorsport history. This triumph, coming in only his rookie season, has surprised many – including Duerksen himself.
Born and raised in Paraguay, Duerksen’s journey to the top tiers of motorsport has been anything but straightforward. Skipping Formula 3, an often essential step for future Formula 1 drivers, Duerksen has had to carve out his own path.
The win in Baku is not just a personal milestone; it also showcases his determination, talent, and the dedication of his team, AIX Racing.
Duerksen’s Direct Path to Formula 2
Duerksen’s career began, as so many do, in karting, where he quickly showed promise. But it wasn’t until his move to single-seater racing that his potential really began to show. Competing in a variety of Formula 4 championships, including the UAE, Italian, and ADAC series, Duerksen gradually built a reputation as a driver with pace and perseverance.
His runner-up finish in the 2019 F4 UAE Championship, along with a series of consistent results across other championships, earned him a seat in Formula 2 for 2024.
Reflecting in the post Sprint race press conference, Duerksen admitted that he never had the opportunity to race in Formula 3, a step he believes would have better prepared him for the rigors of Formula 2.
“Of course, I would love to have raced in F3,” Duerksen said. “In my ideal world, it would have helped me prepare better for F2, especially with how technical F3 is and how close it is to F2. But life had other plans, and I’m just grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given in Formula 2.”
That opportunity came in the form of a drive with AIX Racing, a team that, like Duerksen, is working hard to establish itself in a competitive field. Duerksen has quickly adapted to the new machinery, proving that while he may have missed F3, his learning curve is steep, and his potential is evident.
A Breakthrough Weekend in Baku
Duerksen’s victory in the Baku Sprint Race was impressive. Starting from fourth on the grid, he quickly moved up the field, taking the lead with calculated precision. A safety car mid-race could have thrown off his momentum, but Duerksen kept his cool and nailed the restart, pulling away from the chasing pack.
“I saw the car off the road and thought, ‘Please, not a safety car now,’” he recalled. “But once it came out, I knew I had to get a perfect restart. Luckily, I managed that, and from there, it was just about managing the tires and pushing to the finish.”
His performance in Baku marked his first victory in Formula 2 and the first-ever Formula 2 win for a Paraguayan driver. It’s a moment that will go down in history, not just for Duerksen but for AIX Racing as well. For the team, this was their second win of the season, cementing the team’s strong performance since AIX Investment Group took full acquisition of the team in May.
An Unexpected Win
While Duerksen has taken to Formula 2 like a natural, he’s the first to admit that he didn’t expect to be winning races so soon. “At the start of the season, I wasn’t expecting podiums, let alone a win,” he said. “I just wanted to score points, build confidence, and learn as much as I could.”
Yet, Duerksen’s results speak for themselves. His progression in just a few races has been remarkable, and with this win under his belt, he’s now firmly on the radar as a potential future star. He credits much of his success to the strong relationship he’s built with his team, who have worked tirelessly to help him find his feet in the series.
“AIX Racing and I have a great connection,” Duerksen said. “They understand what I need from the car, and I understand their approach. We’ve built a strong foundation, and I think that’s a big part of why we’ve been able to achieve what we have.”
What’s Next for Joshua Duerksen?
Despite his rapid success, Duerksen remains grounded. His ultimate dream is Formula 1, and while he’s not yet part of an academy, he’s hopeful that his results will open doors in the future. “Of course, the dream is to be in F1, and we’re working hard to build the connections and opportunities to make that happen,” he explained.
For now, though, the focus remains on the rest of the Formula 2 season. With two races left to finish the championship, Duerksen currently sits 12th in the driver standings, a solid position for a rookie. Notably, he’s ahead of Ollie Bearman, who is in 15th place and already has a secure seat in Formula 1 for 2025. Duerksen’s consistent performances have shown that he can compete with some of the most highly touted young talents in the sport.
His rookie season has already exceeded expectations, and for the last two races still to come, the sky’s the limit for the young Paraguayan. As for his future, much remains uncertain, but if Baku was any indication, Joshua Duerksen is a name that motorsport fans should get used to hearing.
Image credit: Dutch Photo Agency
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