Key Highlights:
- Audi Development Driver Freddie Slater will participate in two upcoming Formula 1 Free Practice 1 (FP1) sessions at the Mexico City and São Paulo Grands Prix.
- The 18-year-old Briton finished as runner-up in the Formula 3 championship this year with Trident Motorsport and is slated to step up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next season.
- Audi Racing Director Allan McNish confirmed that the practice outings in the R26 are scheduled at the ideal time to aid Slater’s development ahead of his 2026 junior campaign.
Freddie Slater Handed Audi F1 Practice Debuts in Mexico and Brazil
Audi Development Driver Freddie Slater is set to experience his first official Formula 1 race weekend action after being selected to take part in opening free practice sessions in both Mexico City and São Paulo. The 18-year-old talent, who made history earlier this year by becoming the inaugural driver signed to the German manufacturer’s development roster, will take the wheel during FP1 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and the Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos).
The practice appearances cap an impressive season for Slater, who balanced his development commitments with a competitive campaign in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Driving for Trident Motorsport, the youngster put together a strong run to conclude the year as the championship runner-up. His rapid ascent through the single-seater pyramid will continue next season, as he is set to graduate to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing as part of his ongoing advancement toward top-tier motorsport.
Slater and McNish on the Significance of the FP1 Milestone
The upcoming runs will grant Slater essential seat time in modern Grand Prix machinery as Audi continues to shape its young driver infrastructure. Speaking about the upcoming sessions, Slater expressed his enthusiasm for the milestone:
“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,” said Slater.
“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.”
Audi Racing Director and Audi Driver Development Programme Director Allan McNish emphasized that Slater’s performances across the junior categories have thoroughly justified this critical step up into Formula 1 machinery:
“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.
“These appearances in Mexico and Brazil will give him valuable experience of a Formula 1 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.”
Why This Matters
Mandatory rookie practice outings provide Formula 1 teams with vital opportunities to evaluate emerging talent under authentic Grand Prix weekend constraints. For Audi, giving Slater seat time in the R26 across consecutive venues in the Americas represents a significant vote of confidence in their driver pipeline. The combination of high-altitude data collection in Mexico City and the technical, undulating layout of Interlagos will expose Slater to diverse operational challenges, providing valuable track intelligence for the squad while preparing the young driver for the demands of the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Invicta Racing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Grand Prix weekends will Freddie Slater participate in?
Slater will drive for Audi during the first free practice (FP1) sessions at the Mexico City Grand Prix and the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.
What are Freddie Slater’s racing plans for next season?
Following his runner-up finish with Trident Motorsport in Formula 3 this year, Slater will make the step up to Formula 2 to race with Invicta Racing as part of his continued Audi development program.
What car will Slater drive during his practice sessions?
According to Audi Racing Director Allan McNish, Slater will get behind the wheel of the team’s R26 during the two scheduled FP1 runs.
