A Path Built on Success and Resilience

Stepping up to FIA Formula 2 in 2024 with AIX Racing, Duerksen arrived with a wealth of experience, having already claimed victories in UAE Formula 4, Italian F4, and ADAC Formula 4. His rookie season in F2 was a learning curve, but he quickly adapted, scoring four podium finishes, including two race wins, to end the year 10th in the Drivers’ Championship.

Among his most memorable performances was a podium finish in Imola’s Feature Race, a remarkable comeback after a Sprint Race retirement due to a first-lap incident. With his car heavily damaged, AIX Racing’s mechanics worked tirelessly overnight to repair it, allowing Duerksen to deliver a stunning P3 finish on Sunday, a testament to both his and the team’s resilience. From Imola onward, the team officially rebranded as AIX Racing marking a new Chapter in their journey together.

The Sprint Race in Baku saw him claim his first F2 victory, mastering the challenging street circuit, while his Feature Race win in Abu Dhabi marked the perfect conclusion to his rookie season. These performances solidified his reputation as a rising star.

2025: A Statement of Intent

As the 2025 season kicked off in Melbourne, Duerksen wasted no time in making an impact. The weekend’s Feature Race was ultimately cancelled due to extreme weather, but Saturday’s Sprint Race unfolded under searing heat, providing the ultimate test for drivers.

Lining up on the front row, Duerksen made a fast start, surging past the polesitter within 100 meters of lights out. Controlling the race with precision and composure, he secured his second consecutive F2 victory, following his win in Abu Dhabi.

His performance in Melbourne showcased not only his raw speed but also his ability to apply lessons learned from his rookie campaign. He remained composed under pressure, executed flawless restarts, and managed his tyres expertly. Looking ahead, Dürksen is optimistic about his championship prospects.”Having a season experience in F2 makes a huge difference,” he added in the post-race press conference. “I’ve learned from my rookie mistakes, I know the tracks, and I understand the car much better. If we keep working hard as a team, I believe we can have a really strong season”.

With back-to-back victories and with 10 crucial points secured from his Sprint Race victory taking an early lead in the championship battle, Duerksen’s name is increasingly being linked with a future step up to Formula 1. His impressive performances have also boosted AIX Racing, who currently sit second in the Constructors’ Championship behind Invicta Racing. With this momentum, both Dürksen and the team are aiming to build on their early success as the season progresses.

Now, as the 2025 season unfolds, the question is no longer whether he can win—but just how far he can go.