Joshua Durksen’s Stellar Finish in the 2025 Formula 2 Season

In an exhilarating conclusion to the 2025 Formula 2 season, Paraguayan driver Joshua Durksen delivered a remarkable performance by clinching the top spot after starting from the eighth position on the grid. This race, held in Abu Dhabi, marked the end of his tenure with AIX Racing, a team he dedicated two seasons to. As he transitions to Invicta Racing, the reigning champions of the team championship, Durksen is set to partner with Rafael Camara, the newly crowned champion of Formula 3.

A Fitting Farewell

Reflecting on his final race with AIX Racing, Durksen expressed his determination to leave a lasting impression. “I know we have a strong car here, and I was super motivated to get the win today because it’s my last race with AIX Racing,” he shared, emphasizing his desire to show gratitude to the team through a victorious finish. He noted, “Everything just went really well, and I’m really happy to finish this chapter with them like this.”

The Abu Dhabi Feature Race was not without its challenges, as five drivers faced retirement during the 33 laps. The majority of the race unfolded under the constraints of a virtual or regular safety car, complicating overtaking maneuvers for drivers like Durksen. Nevertheless, he remained focused on improving his position and securing valuable points.

Overcoming Challenges on Track

Durksen’s impressive performance included outpacing competitors Roman Stanek and Gabriele Mini to secure the top podium position. He acknowledged the role of trust in his vehicle’s capabilities in achieving this success. “The car was really good,” he remarked. “It was a bit tricky to have the cars on a different strategy in front of me. I had to overtake them on track, and I lost a bit of time there because I was getting slower due to increased tire wear from more laps on those tires.”

He elaborated on the pressure of maintaining an edge over rivals, particularly as he knew that fellow competitor Dino was also making overtaking moves. “I had to push quite hard because I knew that Dino was also overtaking the guys, so I needed to make sure that I was always one step in front, which didn’t make tire management easy,” he explained. Yet, his efforts paid off, and he concluded the race with a sense of satisfaction regarding his vehicle’s performance.

A Season of Contrasts

Durksen’s 2025 season was marked by a blend of triumphs and setbacks. He began the campaign with a victory in the first Sprint Race, but it took time before he replicated that success in a Feature Race until the season finale. His consistency throughout the season, highlighted by eight podium finishes across 28 races, positioned him as a strong contender for the upcoming 2026 season, which is set to commence in Melbourne, Australia.

Reflecting on his season, he stated, “It has been a season with a lot of ups and downs. We started really well, and I think it’s fun that I started the season winning and I finish the season winning; that’s really cool!” However, he also recognized the challenges faced midway through the season, where several race weekends yielded no points. “I think this is what hurt us the most, but I’m just really happy that we could finish the season like this.”

Durksen’s strong performance in the latter part of the season was particularly noteworthy, as he achieved six podium finishes in the last eight races. “We came in with really good strength, and the car was just feeling better and better,” he observed, appreciating the progress made as the season unfolded.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As Durksen prepares for the 2026 season, he acknowledges that while he is pleased with his recent performances, there is always room for improvement. “For sure, I’m not really happy 100% because I was expecting to be a lot higher in the championship standings, but yeah, it’s part of racing,” he reflected. “The tough moments are learning experiences, and I hope I can be much better next year.”

The 2025 season of Formula 2 may have come to a close, but the anticipation for what lies ahead is palpable. The next chapter begins on March 6, 2026, in Australia, where Durksen will aim to continue his ascent in the competitive world of motorsport.

As he transitions to his new team, the excitement surrounding Durksen’s career trajectory remains high. His strong finish in the 2025 season, coupled with his consistent performances, underscores his potential as one of the future stars of Formula racing.

In summary, Joshua Durksen’s final race of the 2025 season was a testament to his talent and determination as a driver. With a successful conclusion to his time with AIX Racing, he sets his sights on new challenges and opportunities with Invicta Racing, where he hopes to build on his experiences and achieve even greater success in the upcoming season.