Audi’s Freddie Slater to Make F1 Practice Debut in Mexico
18‑year‑old Freddie Slater will take the wheel of an Audi‑powered Formula 1 car for the first time during free practice at the Mexico City and Sao Paulo Grands Prix.
In a historic moment for Audi’s Formula 1 programme, 18‑year‑old Freddie Slater will step into the driver’s seat for the first time during the free‑practice sessions at the Mexico City and Sao Paulo Grands Prix. Per Reuters, the British teenager will drive the Audi‑powered Sauber‑Audi car in FP1, with a second outing slated for the following weekend. Autosport confirms that the debut will be a “practice” session, allowing Slater to gain invaluable experience behind the wheel of a top‑class F1 machine.
Slater, a product of the Audi Junior Academy, has already impressed on the junior formulae, winning the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship and securing a seat in the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Series. His progression to the pinnacle of motorsport follows a clear path laid out by Audi’s development programme, which has seen other young talents, such as former Sauber driver Nico Hülkenberg, move from the academy to the main team. The decision to give Slater a practice slot reflects Audi’s confidence in his pace and adaptability.
While the debut will not count towards the championship, it will provide Slater with a rare opportunity to test the car’s performance, telemetry, and tyre behaviour in real‑world conditions. The Mexican and Brazilian tracks present distinct challenges – the high‑altitude, high‑temperature environment of Mexico City and the demanding, fast corners of the Autódromo José Carlos Pace – giving Slater a broad spectrum of data to analyse. The experience will be invaluable as he prepares for the full season in 2025, when Audi is expected to compete for podiums and possibly a title.
For Indian fans, the practice sessions will be available on FanCode, with live commentary in Hindi and English. The Mexico City session will kick off at 11:00 IST, while the Sao Paulo practice begins at 12:30 IST. Those who wish to watch can tune in to the dedicated F1 channel on FanCode, where analysts will discuss Slater’s performance and the implications for Audi’s future.
Source: Reuters, Autosport, BBC Sport