British driver Freddie Slater will make his Formula 1 practice debut with Audi at the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix. The 18-year-old is scheduled for two Free Practice 1 (FP1) outings, with a second appearance confirmed for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Slater was the first driver to be signed to Audi’s driver development programme at the start of the 2026 season. His debut comes after an impressive rookie campaign in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship.
The British teenager finished runner-up in the F3 standings, narrowly missing out on the title to American Ugo Ugochukwu. The championship battle concluded at the final round in Madrid on September 13, 2026.
Slater, competing for Trident Motorsport, accumulated 145 points during his 2026 F3 season. He secured one feature race victory, achieved at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
His F3 campaign also included three pole positions and a total of eight podium finishes. Slater briefly led the championship standings after his win in Hungary.
Slater expressed his anticipation for the opportunity. He stated that driving an F1 car during a Grand Prix weekend is a significant moment he has long envisioned.
“Getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car at a grand prix weekend is a big moment for me and something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid,” Slater said. “I’ve learned a lot this year, and these free practice outings with Audi will be another opportunity to keep gaining on-track experience.”
Audi launched its Driver Development Programme on January 23, 2026, with Allan McNish as its director. The German manufacturer entered Formula 1 as a constructor and power unit supplier for the 2026 season, fielding the R26 chassis.
Allan McNish, Audi’s Racing Director and DDP Director, highlighted Slater’s progress. He noted that the FP1 sessions in Mexico and Brazil will provide valuable experience for the young driver.
“We have seen Freddie making great progress throughout recent years, both on and off the track; it is the right time for Freddie to step up,” McNish commented. “These appearances in Mexico and Brazil will give him valuable experience of a Formula 1 race weekend.”
The Mexico City Grand Prix is scheduled for October 30 to November 1, 2026, followed by the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from November 6-8, 2026.
Slater’s progression continues with a confirmed move to Formula 2 for the 2027 season. He will compete with Invicta Racing, with his signing announced on September 15, 2026.
Invicta Racing CEO and Team Principal James Robinson acknowledged Slater’s F3 performance. He stated that Slater’s results demonstrate his readiness for the next challenge in Formula 2.
Slater will partner Noah Strømstead at Invicta Racing in 2027. Audi’s current F1 driver lineup of Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg will remain unchanged for the 2027 season.
