Audi Junior and 2026 F3 runner-up Freddie Slater has signed for Invicta Racing to compete in the 2027 F2 season.
Although he fell short of the championship in Madrid last weekend, the 18-year-old was the best driver in Formula 3 this year. Eight podiums, three poles and a win represented a season of speed and consistency.
However, car problems in the Monza Feature Race and during qualifying in Madrid — where even F3 cars could not overtake — meant the title slipped away through no fault of his own. He ultimately finished 14 points behind Ugo Ugochukwu.
The Trident F3 to Invicta F2 path continues. 2024 and 2025 F3 champions Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Câmara have already done it the last couple of years. The Italian went on to win the Formula 2 title last year, while the Brazilian is right in the championship fight against Nikola Tsolov in 2026.
With Invicta having the best or close to the best car in the last couple of years, Freddie Slater should be a very strong title contender in the 2026 F2 season.
Allan McNish, Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme:
“The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver. He enjoyed a strong Formula 3 season, fighting for the title until the final round – showing his speed, racecraft and progress throughout the year. We are very proud of what Freddie has achieved this season and how he has developed along the way.
“Invicta Racing has had an excellent record in recent years, and we are delighted to be working with them. We believe it is the ideal environment for him, and we look forward to supporting him as he takes on this new challenge in 2027.”
Freddie Slater, Audi Driver Development Programme driver on joining Invicta for 2027 F2 season:
“I’m really excited to be stepping up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next year. I learned a lot in Formula 3 this season, and I feel I have developed as a driver and as a person over the course of the year. Invicta has a great record in Formula 2, and I cannot wait to get started with the team and prepare for our campaign together.
“I am also very grateful for the continued support from the Audi Driver Development Programme. There is still a lot for me to learn, and I’m really looking forward to taking on this new challenge.”
James Robinson, CEO and Team Principal of Invicta Racing:
“We’re delighted to welcome Freddie to Invicta Racing for 2027. To finish runner-up in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in his first season is an outstanding achievement, particularly given the level of competition in the category. His results throughout the year, including a victory, three pole positions and eight podiums, underline the pace and consistency he has shown. Freddie has demonstrated that he is ready for the next challenge, and we’re very excited to help him take that next step in Formula 2.”
