Audi Revolut F1 Team has signed British talent Freddie Slater as the first official member of its newly launched Driver Development Programme. With this announcement, made in Hinwil in January 2026, Audi places one of motorsport’s most highly rated young talents firmly at the centre of its long-term F1 vision. As a direct result, Slater will contest the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Trident Motorsport, while receiving direct support from Audi as the manufacturer builds a structured pathway from junior racing to the pinnacle of the sport.
Slater “the ideal candidate” to launch Audi Driver Development Programme
To underpin its future Formula One ambitions, Audi designed its Driver Development Programme to identify, nurture and fully integrate elite young drivers into its expanding F1 project. Consequently, Slater’s signing represents the programme’s first concrete action and, at the same time, highlights Audi’s clear commitment to youth, continuity and sustained performance.
Moreover, under the direction of Audi legend Allan McNish, the programme embeds selected drivers within Audi’s wider motorsport structure. Thus, through this approach, Audi provides technical guidance, mentorship and comprehensive performance support as drivers progress step by step through the single-seater ranks.
Allan McNish, Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme, said: “In Freddie, we see the immense potential of a future star. His track record is remarkable, but more importantly, he possesses the focus, determination, and willingness to learn that are essential for reaching the pinnacle of our sport. He is the ideal candidate to be the first signing of the Audi Driver Development Programme, and we are committed to providing him with the tools, mentorship, and support he needs to succeed as he steps up to Formula 3 with Trident Motorsport. This is the first step in building our future on and off the track.”
One of Britain’s brightest young talents
Hailing from Stratford-upon-Avon, Slater has steadily built a reputation as one of the most complete young drivers of his generation. From an early age, he demonstrated exceptional ability, as he began competitive karting at just seven years old and rapidly climbed the ranks, collecting multiple national and international titles along the way. Ultimately, his karting career culminated in victories in the junior direct-drive World Championship and several FIA European Championships.
Following that success, he transitioned seamlessly into car racing. At only 14, he dominated the Ginetta Junior Championship and then delivered a record-breaking 2024 Formula 4 campaign, during which he claimed both the Italian F4 and F4 UAE titles.
Building on that momentum, Slater continued his ascent in 2025 by winning the Formula Regional European Championship and finishing runner-up in the Middle East series. Thus, through these performances, he consistently demonstrated race craft, composure and maturity beyond his years. Now, as the next logical step, Slater steps up to a full FIA F3 campaign in 2026 with Trident Motorsport, one of the championship’s most respected teams. With Audi’s backing, the programme aims to further strengthen Slater’s progression up the single-seater ladder, while aligning his career with Audi’s wider motorsport strategy ahead of its 2026 F1 entry.
Slater embraces defining career moment ahead of 2026 F3 campaign
Slater described the announcement as a defining moment in his career. He said: “It’s an incredible honour to be the first driver selected for the Audi Driver Development Programme. Audi is a brand with a legendary motorsport history, and to have their trust and support at this crucial stage of my career is a dream come true. Joining forces with a respected team like Trident Motorsport for Formula 3 and having the backing of Audi Revolut F1 Team is a massive opportunity. I am fully focused on working hard and making the most of this pivotal step towards my goal of reaching Formula One.”
By securing Slater as the inaugural member of its Driver Development Programme, Audi has laid a clear foundation for the future. The partnership reflects a shared ambition, blending youthful talent with manufacturer expertise as Audi builds towards long-term success in F1. For Slater, the programme offers structure, support and a direct link to the sport’s highest level. Meanwhile, for Audi, it represents the beginning of a new generation shaped from the ground up.
