The 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) signed off its landmark 100th race in spectacular fashion at Monza, with Freddie Slater once again at the heart of the story. The newly-crowned champion produced another flawless drive to take victory in the season finale, cementing his name in the record books and underlining why PREMA Racing remain a powerhouse at this level.
Behind him, Matteo De Palo brought the curtain down on a brilliant campaign for Trident with second place, while Evan Giltaire continued his resurgent form to complete the podium for ART Grand Prix. On his debut, Jan Przyrowski also impressed, finishing a composed fifth for RPM and demonstrating his ability to adapt quickly to the demands of one of Europe’s toughest junior categories.
Freddie Slater: “A fantastic way to end the year”
Slater set the tone from the formation lap. He settled the nerves that often rattle a title-winner the morning after sealing the crown and treated the finale as another job to execute. He kept the launch clean, hit his braking markers at the Rettifilo, and established authority through Curva Grande and neutralised the chaos that usually swirls through the midfield at Monza and imposed a steady rhythm from the head of the train. Only then did he allow himself to reflect on the sweep of the weekend.
“Honestly, finishing the season with two wins at Monza is pretty special. It’s one of those tracks where anything can happen, but everything came together perfectly. I made a small mistake in Q2 this morning but recovered on the final lap to secure a great grid position. I had a mega start, managed to lead from the beginning, and controlled the race from there. A fantastic way to end the year.”
Managing tyres amid disruption
The safety cars reset the race twice and asked the champion to prove his feel for tyre temperature and brake bite under pressure. He answered by extending the prep phase, weaving decisively, and timing the throttle pick-up so the field never caught him napping on the pit straight. He defended the tow without weaving excessively, opened the brake zones just enough to protect the fronts, and resumed his metronomic pace by the Lesmos. His race craft rested on discipline more than flair, and it showed when the field bunched up behind him.
“The race wasn’t easy, especially with two safety cars. After the first one, I had to make sure the tyres were in the right window and execute a strong restart, which was crucial here at Monza. From that point, I could manage the pace and keep control.”
An incredible season with PREMA
With the chequered flag down and the title already secured, Slater’s focus widened from execution to legacy. He framed the season as a shared project with PREMA — a loop of learning, refinement, and trust that turned potential into results. He acknowledged the catalogue of small gains: quicker out-laps in traffic, cleaner management of the brake-by-wire feel, sharper reads on changing track grip and also pointed to a final encore on the streets of Macau, a venue that rewards nerve and precision.
“It’s been an incredible season with Prema, we’ve shared so many great moments together, and this is definitely one I’ll remember. Now I’m looking forward to racing in Macau with the team one last time.”
The numbers tell part of the story, but the manner tells the rest. Slater fused aggression with restraint, protected the car when it mattered, and chose his speed with intention rather than impulse. Eight wins matched the championship benchmark and, more importantly, defined a template for how to close out a campaign under scrutiny. Future contenders now know the standard they must meet — not just to lead, but to own the critical moments that decide titles.
Matteo De Palo: “A season full of emotions, challenges, and great satisfaction”
If Slater’s campaign defined domination, Matteo De Palo’s represented determination. The Italian teenager fought relentlessly all year to stay in contention for the title, leading Trident’s charge against PREMA and R-ace GP. Every lap at Monza carried the weight of a season spent refining pace, building consistency, and learning how to balance aggression with control. When he crossed the line in second, he confirmed himself as one of the most complete drivers on the grid.
“It’s been an incredible journey. A season full of emotions, challenges, and great satisfaction. We fought hard all year and to finish second in both the race and the championship is something I’m really proud of.”
De Palo’s season wasn’t just about speed — it was about connection. Inside Trident, he became the nucleus of a young, hungry outfit ready to challenge established names. His partnership with engineers and mechanics deepened with each round, creating an atmosphere that thrived on open communication and collective progress. In a championship where tenths of a second often decide grid positions, that unity became Trident’s secret weapon.
“I’ve learned a lot this season, both as a driver and as a person. We worked as a real team, always pushing each other to improve, and I think that spirit made the difference. Finishing my FRECA career this way, fighting at the front and achieving four wins and many podiums, is the best way to close this chapter. I’ll always remember this experience with great joy.”
De Palo’s home crowd erupted as he crossed the line — a moment that symbolised both pride and progress. His result wasn’t merely a personal triumph; it was evidence of Trident’s evolution into a consistent front-running team capable of trading blows with PREMA and R-ace GP.
Evan Giltaire: “I’m really happy to finish the season on a high”
Evan Giltaire turned a stop-start year into a statement finish. He rebuilt confidence after mid-season dips, sharpened execution on out-laps and restarts, and leaned on ART Grand Prix’s data discipline to extract pace when it mattered. He qualified near the front at Monza, absorbed pressure through the chicanes, and converted track position into another podium. That late surge reframed his whole campaign as one of adaptation and resolve.
“I’m really happy to finish the season on a high. It’s been a tough year overall. We started strong after the Middle East campaign, then had some ups and downs, but the last two weekends have been really positive with three podiums and a pole position here at Monza. I’m proud of our consistency and the progress we made, and I hope that’s what people will remember.”
Fond reflections from the 2025 season
He didn’t just collect results; he banked references — brake markers, tyre prep routines, and balance windows that travel from track to track. He paired that with a calmer radio, clearer feedback, and tighter execution on push laps. Those marginal gains turned into podiums and a platform to launch into the winter.
“Looking back at my time in FRECA, I would describe it as determined, fast, and consistent. My best memories are definitely my first victory at Hockenheim and the win at Misano earlier this year. I also feel I’ve grown a lot towards the end of the season, finding better setups and becoming stronger as a driver. What I’ve really learned from this championship is to fight harder and work more than anyone else if you want to be at the front.”
His reflection revealed not just satisfaction but renewed hunger. Giltaire has built momentum and maturity, the qualities that often mark the turning point between a promising driver and a true contender.
Jan Przyrowski: “A great way to make my debut”
Among the established stars, the spotlight briefly turned to an exciting new face. Polish driver Jan Przyrowski made his FRECA debut with RPM and immediately impressed the paddock. Despite minimal dry-running and tricky mixed conditions, the young racer adapted rapidly, keeping pace with far more experienced competition and finishing inside the top five.
“I’m honestly really happy with how this weekend went. It was my first time ever in the car, and apart from 40 minutes of dry practice, all the rest of the sessions were in the wet. So it wasn’t easy to adapt quickly and deliver good lap times, but I’m very pleased with both my performance and the work done by the team.”
It’s been a great experience. The championship is really impressive, and I’ve enjoyed every part of it. In the race, things went smoothly. After the start, I built a small gap and managed to stay out of trouble while others were fighting behind. Overall, it was a positive weekend and a great way to make my debut.”
Przyrowski’s measured performance provided a glimpse of potential and a calmness rarely seen in a debutant. His smooth adaptation and technical awareness marked him as one to watch in the coming seasons.
A fitting end to a landmark season
Monza delivered all the hallmarks of a true FRECA finale — drama, precision, and a glimpse of the future. Slater’s record-equalling eighth win confirmed his dominance, De Palo’s podium sealed his runner-up title, and Giltaire’s consistency hinted at unfinished business. For newcomers like Przyrowski, it marked the beginning of an exciting journey.
As the curtain falls on 2025, FRECA continues to affirm its status as Europe’s premier proving ground for young single-seater talent. The 100th race may be in the books, but the next generation of champions is already forming on the horizon.
