Freddie Slater will make his Formula 1 (F1) race weekend debut with Audi after the German manufacturer confirmed that the British driver will participate in Free Practice 1 (FP1) at both the 2026 Mexico City and São Paulo Grands Prix. The appearances will mark another significant milestone for the 18-year-old following his successful rookie season in the FIA Formula 3 (F3) Championship.
Slater will drive Audi’s R26 during the opening practice session in Mexico City on 30 October before returning to the car at Interlagos on 6 November. The two outings will provide valuable experience ahead of his promotion to FIA Formula 2 (F2) with Invicta Racing in 2027.
The announcement follows Slater’s impressive 2026 F3 campaign with Trident, during which he secured eight podium finishes, three pole positions and a Feature Race victory in Budapest. Although he narrowly missed out on the championship, finishing runner-up to Ugo Ugochukwu, his performances strengthened his position within Audi’s Driver Development Programme.
Slater prepares to fulfil childhood dream with Audi
Slater joined Audi’s Driver Development Programme earlier in 2026, becoming the first driver signed to the manufacturer’s newly established junior initiative.
The programme aims to support promising drivers as they progress through the single-seater categories, providing opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience within a Formula 1 environment.
His upcoming FP1 appearances represent the next stage of that development, allowing him to experience the demands of an official Grand Prix weekend for the first time.
Following the announcement by Audi, Slater expressed his excitement about achieving an ambition he has held since childhood.
“Getting behind the wheel of a Formula One 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 Revolut F1 Team will be another opportunity to keep gaining on-track experience. Being part of the Audi Driver Development Programme has already given me some incredible opportunities, and I am grateful for their trust and support.”
“I’m really looking forward to getting out on track: my focus will be on doing the best job I can, helping the team with its programme and taking as many learnings as possible from both sessions.”
The British driver’s comments emphasised his intention to approach the sessions as opportunities for development while contributing to Audi’s regular race weekend preparations.
Impressive 2026 F3 campaign earns Slater further opportunities
Slater’s promotion to Formula 1 practice sessions follows a highly competitive rookie campaign in FIA F3, where he established himself as one of the championship’s leading contenders.
Competing with Trident, the British driver demonstrated consistency throughout the season, securing podium finishes across eight consecutive race weekends. He also claimed three pole positions, regularly challenging more experienced competitors during qualifying.
His breakthrough victory came during the Budapest Feature Race, where he defeated title rival Ugochukwu to secure his maiden F3 win and strengthen his championship challenge.
The result marked an important stage in Slater’s development, rewarding the progress made throughout his first season with Trident.
Although the championship remained undecided until the Madrid finale, Slater ultimately finished second after a difficult final weekend allowed Ugochukwu to claim the title.
Despite the disappointment, his eight podiums and strong qualifying performances confirmed his competitiveness at the FIA F3 level.
The result added to an already impressive junior single-seater record, which includes the 2024 Italian F4 Championship and 2025 Formula Regional European Championship titles.
McNish believes Slater is ready for next step
Audi Racing Director and Driver Development Programme Director Allan McNish welcomed Slater’s progression, highlighting the improvements demonstrated by the British driver both on and off the circuit.
The former Formula 1 driver and three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner has played an important role in overseeing Audi’s junior development programme, which was established ahead of the manufacturer’s first season as a full works F1 operation.
McNish believes Slater’s performances during recent seasons demonstrate that the timing is appropriate for his first official Formula 1 practice appearances.
“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 said.
“These appearances in Mexico and Brazil will give him valuable experience of a Formula One race weekend, and another chance to continue his development before he steps up to Formula 2 next season. We are looking forward to seeing him in the R26 and supporting him through these two important FP1 sessions.”
His comments highlight Audi’s intention to provide Slater with practical experience as he progresses towards the higher levels of single-seater racing.
The sessions will also allow the team to evaluate how the British driver adapts to Formula 1 machinery while working within the operational demands of a Grand Prix weekend.
Mexico and Brazil provide valuable F1 experience
Slater’s first appearance will take place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend on 30 October.
The circuit’s high altitude presents particular technical challenges for Formula 1 teams, while its combination of long straights and technical corners will offer Slater an opportunity to familiarise himself with the R26 in competitive conditions.
A week later, he will return to the cockpit during FP1 at the São Paulo Grand Prix on 6 November.
Interlagos will provide a different challenge, featuring significant elevation changes, flowing corners and a comparatively short lap. The contrasting circuit characteristics should allow Slater to gain experience across different driving conditions.
Both sessions will require him to adapt quickly to the increased performance and technical complexity of Formula 1 machinery.
Unlike private testing, the official practice outings will also involve working alongside Audi’s engineers during a scheduled race weekend, with the team balancing Slater’s development against its usual preparation programme.
His responsibilities will therefore extend beyond setting competitive lap times, with collecting data, providing feedback and following the team’s run plans forming important parts of the experience.
Slater continues development ahead of 2027 F2 debut
Following his Formula 1 practice appearances, Slater will turn his attention towards preparations for the 2027 FIA Formula 2 Championship.
The British driver has already confirmed his promotion to Invicta Racing, where he will continue his progression through the junior single-seater categories.
He will reunite with former Trident teammate Noah Strømsted, completing an all-rookie line-up for the British team.
Invicta has established itself among the leading competitors in F2, having secured consecutive Drivers’ Championships with Gabriel Bortoleto in 2024 and Leonardo Fornaroli in 2025.
Slater’s move will provide another opportunity to develop his racecraft, tyre management and technical understanding while competing against drivers with greater experience in more powerful machinery.
The two Audi FP1 appearances will complement that preparation, providing additional exposure to the working environment and technical demands of Formula 1.
Although Slater has yet to secure a Formula 1 race seat, the opportunities in Mexico and Brazil represent important steps in his development within Audi’s programme.
Having narrowly missed the 2026 FIA F3 title, the British driver will now aim to build on his successful rookie campaign as he prepares for Formula 2 and continues working towards his long-term ambition of competing in Formula 1.
