Freddie Slater to Make FP1 Debut with Audi in Mexico and Brazil

In a move that signals Audi’s intent to accelerate its Formula 1 entry, the British driver Freddie Slater will take the wheel of the team’s car for the first‑practice (FP1) sessions at the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix. The announcement, made by the team’s official website and echoed by Formula 1.com and AutoRacing1.com, comes as Audi prepares to launch its works programme in 2026.

Slater, who has been competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, will use the FP1 sessions to acclimatise to the car’s power unit and the team’s technical setup. Audi’s decision to field a rookie in the early practice session is a strategic one: it allows the team to gather data on the car’s performance under race‑day conditions while keeping the main drivers, who will debut in the later sessions, fresh for the weekend’s critical moments.

For the Indian audience, the Mexican Grand Prix will be broadcast on FanCode from 3:00 PM IST, with the race itself starting at 5:00 PM IST. The Brazilian Grand Prix will air on FanCode from 3:00 PM IST as well, with the race kicking off at 5:00 PM IST. Fans can follow Slater’s FP1 runs live on the FanCode app, where commentary will highlight the car’s handling and the rookie’s adaptation to the demanding street circuit in Mexico City and the long‑straight‑heavy layout of São Paulo.

While Slater’s debut will not impact the championship standings, it marks a significant step in Audi’s journey to becoming a full‑fledged constructor. The team’s technical director has said that the data collected during these sessions will be invaluable for the car’s development ahead of its official launch. If Slater can demonstrate smoothness and speed, it will bode well for Audi’s future competitiveness.

Source: Formula 1.com