British teen Freddie Slater to step into Audi’s F1 car for practice sessions in Mexico and Brazil
Audi will give 17‑year‑old Freddie Slater his first Formula 1 practice run at the Mexico City Grand Prix and later at the São Paulo race, marking a historic debut for the British youngster.
Audi Sport will hand British teenager Freddie Slater his first taste of a Formula 1 car during the free‑practice 1 (FP1) sessions at the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix and the Brazilian Grand Prix in São Paulo. The 17‑year‑old, who currently competes in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing, will drive the Audi RB‑19 in a single‑lap outing designed to give the team fresh data and a glimpse of future talent, according to a Reuters report.
Slater’s promotion follows a rapid rise through the junior ranks. After winning the British F4 championship in 2022, he moved up to FIA Formula 3 in 2023, where his consistent points finishes caught the eye of the Audi driver development programme. The German manufacturer confirmed the arrangement on its official website, noting that the FP1 runs will be "an invaluable experience for the young driver and a chance for Audi to evaluate his performance in a top‑level environment."
Both practice sessions are scheduled for the weekend of 27‑29 October in Mexico City, with the FP1 slot taking place on Saturday morning. The Brazilian round follows a week later, with the FP1 session slated for Saturday 9 November. Audi will field its regular driver, Nico Hülkenberg, for the remainder of the weekend’s program, while Slater will be limited to the single practice lap, as per standard practice for rookie appearances.For Indian fans, the Mexico City FP1 will be broadcast live on FanCode at 09:30 IST, and the São Paulo session will air at 08:45 IST. Both races will also be streamed on the official F1 TV platform, which offers a dedicated Indian feed. The debut gives Indian audiences a chance to see a young European talent in action, while also highlighting Audi’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of drivers.
While Slater’s on‑track time will be brief, the experience could be a stepping stone toward a full‑time seat in the future. Audi’s technical director, James Allison, hinted that the team is "always looking for fresh talent who can bring new perspectives to the car," suggesting that Slater’s performance could influence his career trajectory. The move also underscores the growing trend of manufacturers using FP1 slots to test junior drivers, a practice that has become more common since the 2022 regulation changes.
Source: Reuters