Ludo van Denderen is a motorsport journalist at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 and international racing series.
Joshua Durksen, a development driver for the Mercedes F1 team and a leading Formula 2 driver, is likely to lose one of his biggest sponsors. Is the Paraguayan’s career at risk?
Paraguay is going through extremely difficult times. Major bank Ueno has been placed under administration, leaving millions of people unable to access their money. It is anyone’s guess whether they will ever see any of it again. This has plunged the South American country into a major financial and political crisis. President Santiago Peña was even forced to step down.
Joshua Durksen is one of the country’s best-known and most popular athletes. All of his Formula 2 races are broadcast live on national television. When Mercedes announced Durksen and he made his test debut in an F1 car, it filled the country with pride.
Durksen owes part of his opportunity to compete in the category that serves as a stepping stone to Formula 1 to Ueno, one of his biggest sponsors. The bank enabled the 23-year-old to secure a seat with Invicta Racing this season. With Ueno’s support, he has also secured a spot at Hitech for next year.
At least, that is the plan. So far, GPblog has heard from people involved that nothing has changed regarding Durksen’s plans. If that remains the case, the driver will be hoping that Ueno’s sponsorship money has already been paid in full - or close to it. If it has not, Durksen may have to search for alternative funding to pay for his F2 seat.
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Durksen responds on social media
Earlier this week, Joshua Durksen did not directly address the situation surrounding the bank on Instagram. However, he did offer words of support to his fellow Paraguayans.
"After following what has been happening in our country over the past few days, I want to share a few words with you from the heart."
"It makes me incredibly sad to see what we are going through right now. It pains me to know that so many Paraguayan families are facing these difficult and uncertain times."
"I want to express my support and sympathy to everyone affected. I sincerely hope that those who have suffered losses receive solutions and clear answers."
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"Just as I receive so much love and support from you during every race, I want to give you that same warmth and support now."
"I hope everything is resolved as soon as possible. May God bless you."
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