Joshua Dürksen Shines with a Strong Performance in the Azerbaijan Feature Race

Joshua Dürksen delivered an impressive second-place finish during the Azerbaijan Feature Race, held at the Baku City Circuit. This achievement follows his remarkable performance earlier in September at Monza, where he matched his best scoring position for the 2025 season. The AIX Racing driver maintained his focus throughout the race, demonstrating his resilience after a challenging qualifying session. He reflected on the outcome, stating, "We executed our setup perfectly, considering the track conditions and everything else. Last year, we faced difficulties in qualifying, which ultimately affected our race. We anticipated suboptimal conditions during qualifying, especially with the disruptions caused by red flags. This led to us starting from P15."

Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Momentum

Dürksen’s journey throughout the race was one of determination and skill. He highlighted how the team optimized the car’s setup, allowing him to perform exceptionally well during the race. "I felt confident with the car right from the start. My initial launch was fantastic; I can’t recall how many cars I managed to overtake in the first lap, but I believe I moved from P15 to around P9," he recounted. His steady pace and comfort with the vehicle played a pivotal role in his success, reminiscent of his previous experience at the same circuit.

Having positive memories from Baku, Dürksen reflected on his speed and confidence on this unique track. He emphasized, "I know I have the pace, and I believe the car is capable of matching that speed. Today, everything came together perfectly."

Navigating Track Conditions

After the race concluded, Dürksen took the time to address the low-grip conditions of the track surface during the cooldown session. He recalled his experience from 2024, where he celebrated his first victory in the Saturday Sprint Race. The unpredictable nature of the track made for an exhilarating race, particularly as rain had affected the conditions just an hour before the event.

Dürksen spent the final ten laps trailing behind Jak Crawford, the leader of the DAMS Lucas Oil team. The challenge of catching up was intensified as he attempted to decrease the gap to activate the Drag Reduction System (DRS) on Lap 25. Reflecting on his strategy, he mentioned, "I did consider making a bold move, particularly at Turn 1, but the grip was lacking, so I opted to hold back a little and try my luck again in Turn 3. Many drivers have faced difficulties attempting to overtake on the outside, often leading to collisions, and with the grip being poor, I thought it best to avoid that risk."

As the race progressed, Dürksen acknowledged Crawford’s defensive driving. "He performed exceptionally well in the closing laps. I was striving to catch up, and we both maintained competitive pace. If we had one or two additional laps, I believe I could have taken the lead, but he executed a great race," Dürksen remarked.

Teamwork and Preparation

Dürksen expressed gratitude towards his team, especially given the challenging conditions they faced leading up to the race. "Considering the weather, which included rain earlier in the day, we were uncertain about how the car would behave on the track and how the tires would perform. However, I feel like we got everything right today," he stated, highlighting the importance of teamwork and preparation in motorsport.

Baku: A Track That Suits Dürksen

The Baku City Circuit has become a standout venue for Dürksen, showcasing his talent over the past two years. This street circuit, known for its tight turns and challenging layout, has proven to be a favorable track for him. When asked what makes Baku so special for him, he candidly responded, "Honestly, I can’t pinpoint it! I simply feel a sense of confidence here. The layout resonates with my driving style, and I believe the car complements my approach quite well. I’m not exactly sure what it is, but Baku seems to fit me perfectly."

Looking Ahead: The Road to Qatar and Abu Dhabi

As the Formula 2 season progresses, there is a brief hiatus before the penultimate race in Qatar, scheduled between November 28 and 30. Following that, the season finale will take place in Abu Dhabi from December 5 to 7. With Dürksen’s momentum from his recent performances, fans and followers eagerly anticipate how he will apply his skills in the upcoming races.

In conclusion, Joshua Dürksen’s performance in the Azerbaijan Feature Race stands as a testament to his growth as a driver. His ability to adapt to challenging conditions, coupled with his strategic thinking during the race, has solidified his reputation in the Formula 2 circuit. As he prepares for the final races of the season, Dürksen’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring drivers and motorsport enthusiasts alike. His story exemplifies the determination and passion that define the world of racing.