Freddie Slater to Make Formula 1 Practice Debut with Audi

Eighteen-year-old British driver Freddie Slater is set to make his Formula 1 practice debut with Audi, participating in the first practice sessions at the Mexico City Grand Prix on October 30 and the Sao Paulo Grand Prix a week later. Slater is the first driver to join Audi's driver development program since the German manufacturer's entry into Formula 1 this season.

Allan McNish, Audi's racing director and head of the driver development program, stated that Slater has shown significant progress and that this is the appropriate time for him to step up. McNish added that these appearances will provide valuable experience of a Formula 1 race weekend and further his development before he transitions to Formula 2 next season.

Slater expressed his excitement, calling the opportunity to drive an F1 car during a Grand Prix weekend a significant moment and a childhood dream. He believes these practice outings will offer another chance to gain on-track experience, building on what he has learned throughout the year.

This season, Slater finished second in his debut in the Formula 3 championship. He is scheduled to compete in Formula 2 in 2027 with the Invicta team. In a related development, Invicta driver Rafael Camara, who is currently leading the F2 championship, is slated to move to Formula 1 with the American-based Haas team next season.