Audi confirm Freddie Slater's F1 practice debut in Mexico and Brazil

Audi Development Driver set for maiden F1 weekend running

British teenager Freddie Slater will get his first taste of Formula 1 race weekend action when he climbs into Audi's challenger for first practice at the Mexico City and Sao Paulo Grands Prix.

The 18-year-old, the first driver signed to the German manufacturer's Driver Development Programme earlier this year, will drive the Audi Revolut F1 Team's R26 in FP1 in Mexico City on 30 October, before a second outing a week later at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.

Slater dovetailed his Audi duties this year with a campaign in Formula 3, where he finished runner-up with Trident Motorsport on his debut in the championship. He will step up to Formula 2 next season — racing in 2027 with front-running Invicta Racing — with the two FP1 runs giving him valuable on-track experience ahead of that graduation.

“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 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 Driver Development Programme Director Allan McNish backed the timing of the promotion.

“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,” McNish said. “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.”

Slater’s elevation continues a rapid rise through the Audi structure. Audi CEO Mattia Binotto said in Azerbaijan on 29 September that the F3 runner-up was on a fast track to Formula 1, hinting the teenager could land F1 duties “even earlier” than 2027. Slater’s 2027 F2 seat with Invicta — the squad that claimed back-to-back Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships in 2024 and 2025 — was confirmed on 21 September.

The pathway through Invicta is proving a proven route to the top: the team’s current driver Rafael Camara leads this year’s F2 championship and moves up to F1 next season with the US-based Haas team.