Freddie Slater will make his F1 race weekend debut next week, driving for Audi in first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix and again in São Paulo.
The 18-year-old was the first driver signed to Audi’s Driver Development Programme earlier this year. He combined that role with a Formula 3 campaign for Trident, finishing the season as runner-up.
Slater moves up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next year, and the two FP1 sessions are intended to give him his first experience of an F1 car on a race weekend before that step.
“Getting behind the wheel of a Formula One 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: m y 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.”
Allan McNish, Audi’s racing director and head of its driver development programme, said Slater had made strong progress on and off track in recent years. He described it as the right time for him to step up.
“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 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 is one of several junior drivers getting FP1 time at the two rounds, with McLaren also running F2 driver Leonardo Fornaroli in Mexico and Brazil.
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