Audi to Hand F3 Runner-Up Freddie Slater F1 Practice Debut

Audi Awards Freddie Slater Back-to-Back Formula 1 Practice Outings

Audi Driver Development Programme member Freddie Slater is set to make his official Formula 1 weekend debut later this season, securing two Free Practice 1 outings at the Mexico City and Sao Paulo Grands Prix. The 18-year-old British prospect will drive Audi’s R26 machinery across the consecutive race weekends in Mexico and Brazil, taking another critical stride in his rapid ascent through the motorsport single-seater ranks.

Slater has emerged as the central figure of Audi’s newly established driver academy following the German automotive manufacturer’s takeover of the Sauber squad ahead of the 2026 campaign. His F1 call-up follows an exceptional rookie campaign in FIA Formula 3 with Trident, where the former Italian F4 and Formula Regional European champion finished runner-up in the drivers’ championship behind Ugo Ugochukwu. Ahead of a confirmed graduation to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing—following the pathway established by former Trident talents Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara—Slater will fulfill Audi’s final mandatory rookie testing obligations for the season.

Audi previously utilized Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron on loan for two early-season practice outings. Slater will now complete the outfit’s required allocations by stepping into the cockpits of full-time drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto for one session apiece.

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, Slater said. I’ve learned a lot this year, and these free practice outings with Audi 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 driver development head Allan McNish endorsed the British youngster’s promotion to grand prix machinery ahead of his dual Americas 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, Audi’s racing director and DDP director Allan McNish reckoned. 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.

Colton Herta Returns to Cadillac Cockpit for Home Outing at COTA

Prior to Slater’s scheduled runs in Latin America, American talent Colton Herta will participate in opening practice at the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas (COTA). Serving as Cadillac’s test and development driver, Herta is set to pilot Sergio Perez’s MAC-26, logging his fourth FP1 appearance of the championship year following previous test runs in Barcelona, Budapest, and Monza.

Driving the MAC-26 in front of the American fans at COTA is going to be special, Herta said. I have great memories at this track – winning my first IndyCar race here back in 2019 was a huge moment in my career, so stepping into an F1 car on this layout feels like coming full circle.

I’ve built up a good rhythm with the team through my previous FP1 runs in Barcelona, Budapest, and Monza, so my goal for Friday morning is straightforward: execute the test program cleanly, help the engineers gather good data on the set-up, and hand the car back to Checo with some useful feedback to support the team for the rest of the weekend.

Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski highlighted the engineering significance of Herta’s upcoming session in Austin, particularly given the circuit’s technical demands and the arrival of development parts.

The high-speed sweeping section in sector one and the tight, low-speed turns at the end of the lap are a tricky for car set-up, and the bumps always add an extra dimension, team principal Marcin Budkowski said of the Circuit of The Americas. We are looking forward to having Colton back in the car for FP1 on Friday, and we also plan to bring some small floor and cooling upgrades for evaluation. Colton knows this circuit very well from his IndyCar career, so his feedback will be valuable as we establish our baseline for the weekend.

Herta currently sits 19th in the Formula 2 standings, yet his primary career ambition remains unbroken. He confirmed to Motorsport.com that he continues to target a full-time Formula 1 seat by 2028, even as his competitive plans for the forthcoming season remain unfinalized.

Why This Matters

Formula 1 sporting regulations mandate that every constructor dedicate multiple opening practice sessions to young drivers throughout the season. These sessions serve as a critical bridge between the junior ladder and the pinnacle of motorsport, allowing teams to evaluate developmental drivers against direct telemetry benchmarks.

For Audi, integrating Freddie Slater into a grand prix environment establishes continuity within its newly constructed talent pipeline as the works team builds out its long-term structure. Meanwhile, Cadillac’s utilization of Colton Herta at COTA offers valuable testing mileage on home soil while evaluating structural aerodynamic and cooling updates ahead of a critical race weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cars will Freddie Slater drive during his practice sessions?

Freddie Slater will drive Audi’s R26 in Free Practice 1 at both the Mexico City and Brazilian Grands Prix, taking over Nico Hulkenberg’s seat for one event and Gabriel Bortoleto’s car for the other.

Who will Colton Herta replace for FP1 at the United States Grand Prix?

Colton Herta will step into Sergio Perez’s Cadillac MAC-26 for the opening practice session at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

What is Freddie Slater’s next racing step after Formula 3?

Following his runner-up finish as the top rookie in the FIA Formula 3 championship, Slater will advance to Formula 2 next season, competing with front-running outfit Invicta Racing.