Mercedes F1 development driver Joshua Dürksen gets surprise Formula E test call-up

Mercedes Formula 1 development driver Joshua Dürksen will make his debut in the all-electric series, joining the Citroën team for the official Formula E rookie test in Madrid next week. The 22-year-old Paraguayan-born racer, currently competing in F2, will get his first taste of the GEN3 Evo car alongside fellow Mercedes junior Theo Pourchaire in a valuable cross-category opportunity.

Why it matters:

This test represents a strategic broadening of experience for a promising driver within the Mercedes ecosystem. For Dürksen, it’s a chance to showcase his adaptability in a technically demanding series known for its unique energy management challenges, potentially opening doors to a future in Formula E. For Citroën, it's an opportunity to evaluate fresh talent as the team continues developing its GEN3 Evo package.

The details:

• The rookie test will take place on Sunday, April 28th at the Circuito del Jarama, following the inaugural Madrid E-Prix.
• Dürksen enters the test on a high note, having won the F2 Sprint Race in Melbourne just last weekend at the start of his third season in the championship.
• He will partner with Theo Pourchaire at Citroën, marking a rare instance of two Mercedes-affiliated juniors sharing a Formula E cockpit for a test.
• The test lineup features other notable names, including former Red Bull F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, fellow F2 racer Kush Maini (with Mahindra), and ex-F2 driver Richard Verschoor.
• Citroën team boss Cyril Blais stated they have been "following closely" Dürksen's progress, emphasizing that the test is designed for emerging talents to demonstrate their ability in the Formula E environment.

What's next:

The one-day test is a critical evaluation opportunity for both driver and team. Dürksen’s primary goal is intensive learning—understanding the car, systems, and team operations—with no guarantee of a future race seat. However, a strong performance could make him a contender for future simulator, development, or even racing roles within the Stellantis group, which includes Citroën. For now, it's a significant step in his professional development, adding Formula E experience to his resume as he continues his F2 campaign with Invicta Racing.