Formula 2 driver Joshua Dürksen joins Mercedes as development driver for 2026

Mercedes has officially confirmed its complete development driver line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, assembling a diverse roster of talent across different career stages. The confirmation comes just days after the team's launch event on February 2, 2026, signaling the final preparations ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8.

Mercedes' new development driver roster

The Silver Arrows' development driver contingent comprises three distinct profiles, each bringing unique value to the Brackley operation. Leading the charge is Doriane Pin, the 22-year-old French driver who claimed the prestigious 2025 F1 Academy title, cementing her position within Mercedes' junior pipeline. Pin's championship campaign was nothing short of dominant—she accumulated four race wins alongside four additional podium finishes across the season, finishing 15 points clear of Ferrari-backed rival Maya Weug.

Joshua Dürksen, a 22-year-old German-Paraguayan driver, joins as the newest addition to the development driver ranks. Currently competing in Formula 2 with Invicta Racing, Dürksen brings extensive single-seater experience and has earned his stripes across multiple junior categories, accumulating five wins in Italian F4, five wins in the F4 UAE championship, and one victory in ADAC F4. His responsibilities at Mercedes will encompass simulator work and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programmes, providing valuable track time aboard older generation machinery.

Completing the trio is Anthony Davidson, who represents institutional knowledge and continuity within the Brackley operation. Davidson's association with Mercedes spans over 15 years, initially joining as a reserve and simulator driver in 2010 before transitioning to a permanent simulator driver role since 2012. His experience navigating the evolution of modern Formula 1 provides an invaluable resource for the team's technical operations.

Additionally, Fred Vesti has secured the role of third driver, further bolstering Mercedes' driver roster.

Development drivers: the cornerstone of F1 preparation

The designation of development driver represents a critical bridge in the progression toward a full-time Formula 1 seat. These roles encompass far more than ceremonial titles—drivers undertake comprehensive simulator development, factory-based technical work, and trackside presence at selected Grands Prix throughout the season. For Pin specifically, her responsibilities include supporting Mercedes' 2026 F1 Academy entrant alongside a soon-to-be-announced racing programme.

The development driver framework reflects modern Formula 1's integrated approach to driver development. Rather than maintaining large reserve driver rosters, top teams now utilize multi-tiered driver hierarchies that maximize on-track and simulator contributions while maintaining competitive flexibility.

Pin's meteoric rise through the F1 Academy

Pin's ascension through Mercedes' junior programme encapsulates the pathway to Formula 1's highest levels. Having joined the Mercedes F1 Academy in 2024, she progressed methodically through her first season before delivering a championship-caliber campaign in 2025. Her growth trajectory mirrors successful predecessors, though her path forward remains distinct—unlike some F1 Academy graduates who transition directly to established feeder series like GB3, Pin's racing programme for 2026 has yet to be publicly announced.

In her championship-winning video message, Pin expressed her enthusiasm for the expanded role: "My two years as part of the Junior Programme have helped me grow as a driver and this is a fantastic next step in my career. I'm excited to keep working with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth and progressing toward future opportunities, both on and off track."

Strategic implications for Mercedes' 2026 campaign

The confirmation of Mercedes' complete development driver line-up signals the team's meticulous preparation for the 2026 season. The announcement follows the completion of private testing in Barcelona from January 26-30 and precedes intensive pre-season testing in Bahrain scheduled for February 11-13 and February 18-20. This timeline demonstrates Mercedes' commitment to maximizing every available preparation opportunity before the season commences.

The three-pronged approach—combining Davidson's experience, Pin's emerging talent, and Dürksen's current racing commitments—provides Mercedes with multifaceted technical feedback channels. Simulator development, historically crucial for competitive advantage, benefits from diverse perspectives and driving styles across the development driver contingent.

Mercedes' investment in cultivating homegrown talent through structured junior programmes reflects broader industry trends toward long-term driver development rather than opportunistic signings. Pin's progression from F1 Academy entrant to development driver represents validation of the Mercedes driver academy's methodology while simultaneously maintaining pipeline continuity.