Slater set for F1 practice debut with Audi in Mexico

Audi took over Sauber ahead of its maiden F1 season in 2026.

Briton Freddie Slater will make his debut at the wheel of a Formula 1 car when he drives for Audi in first practice in Mexico City on 30 October. The 18-year-old will have a second outing a week later at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Slater was the first driver brought into Audi’s driver development programme following the company’s entry into F1 this season.

Allan McNish, Audi’s racing director and head of the driver development programme, said: "We have seen Freddie making great progress throughout recent years, both on and off the track." He added: "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."

Slater finished second on his debut in the Formula 3 championship this season and is moving up to Formula 2 in 2027 with Invicta.

The Mexico City session will give Slater his first experience of an F1 car on a grand prix weekend. The second outing at Sao Paulo follows seven days later, offering further track time ahead of his planned move to Formula 2.

Sources

• Autosport

• Motorsport.com

• Photo: KVYTICAL, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)