By Holly Wright.
British Teenager Freddie Slater To Make F1 Practice Debut With Audi In Mexico City And São Paulo.
British teenager Freddie Slater will make his Formula 1 practice debut with Audi at the Mexico City Grand Prix before returning to the cockpit a week later in Sao Paulo.
The 18-year-old will take part in first practice at both events, with his maiden outing scheduled for October 30 in Mexico City before a second appearance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Slater became the first driver signed to Audi’s Driver Development Programme earlier this year, having impressed with his performances in junior single-seater categories.
His two FP1 appearances will provide valuable experience of a Formula 1 race weekend as he continues his development ahead of a step up to Formula 2 in 2027.
Slater Earns Audi Practice Opportunity After Impressive F3 Campaign
Slater heads into his first taste of F1 race weekend action following an impressive 2026 Formula 3 campaign with Trident Motorsport.
The Briton finished runner-up in the championship, with his consistency highlighted by a remarkable run of eight podiums across eight consecutive weekends.
His performances have helped secure a promotion to Formula 2 next season, where he will compete with front-running outfit Invicta Racing.
The opportunity to drive Audi’s R26 in Mexico City and Sao Paulo represents another important milestone in his progression through the junior categories.
As the first recruit to Audi’s driver development programme, Slater has already established a relationship with the team, which will now have the opportunity to assess his progress in an F1 environment.
Slater Excited To Fulfil Childhood Dream
Slater described the opportunity to drive during a Grand Prix weekend as a significant moment in his career, having dreamed of reaching Formula 1 from a young age.
“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,” he 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.”
The teenager also expressed his gratitude for the opportunities provided by Audi since joining its development programme.
“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.”
McNish Backs Slater’s Next Step
Audi racing director and head of its driver development programme, Allan McNish, believes the two practice appearances come at the right stage of Slater’s career.
McNish highlighted the progress the youngster has made in recent years, both on and off the track, as he prepares for the next phase of his development.
“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 One 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 outings in Mexico City and Sao Paulo will offer an early opportunity to familiarise himself with the demands of an F1 race weekend before his move to Formula 2 in 2027.
With his junior career continuing to progress, the two sessions mark another significant step towards his long-term ambition of reaching Formula 1.
