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Audi gives Freddie Slater two Formula 1 practice outings
Formula 3 runner-up Freddie Slater will make his F1 debut for Audi in FP1 at the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix before moving to Formula 2.
Freddie Slater will make his first appearance in a Formula 1 car during Audi’s final two mandatory rookie practice sessions of the season, driving in FP1 at the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix.
The British driver will take the places of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, with Slater replacing each once. The outings will give the 18-year-old experience at a Grand Prix weekend before his planned move to Formula 2 with Invicta next season. He is set to step up to Formula 2 with Invicta in 2027.
Slater’s rookie season ends with an F1 opportunity
Slater finished runner-up in Formula 3 behind Ugo Ugochukwu, and was the highest-placed rookie in the standings. His junior record also includes titles in Italian Formula 4 and the Formula Regional European Championship.
Audi’s driver development programme has been built largely around Slater since the brand took over the Sauber team ahead of its first Formula 1 season in 2026. The team has already used Alpine junior Paul Aron for two practice appearances earlier this year. Slater will take Audi’s remaining two required rookie outings.
The sessions come after a season in which Slater’s title bid ended just short of the championship. He has discussed the campaign and its conclusion in his reflection on the 2026 Formula 3 title fight.
Audi sees the sessions as preparation for Formula 2
Slater described the chance to drive during a Grand Prix weekend as a significant step in his development. He plans to use both sessions to build track experience, assist with the team’s programme and learn as much as possible from the car.
Audi racing director and driver development programme director Allan McNish said Slater’s progress made this an appropriate time for him to step up. He expects the Mexico and Brazil appearances to provide useful exposure to the demands of an F1 weekend ahead of Slater’s move to Formula 2.
The two FP1 runs will be Slater’s first time driving a Formula 1 car, and his first opportunity to contribute directly to Audi’s weekend work on track. His focus will then turn to the next stage of his career with Invicta in Formula 2.