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Freddie Slater to debut for Audi in F1 practice at Mexico City

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 3:02 PM

Last updated Oct 22, 2026

Freddie Slater to debut for Audi in F1 practice at Mexico City

Summary

Freddie Slater, an Audi junior and Formula 3 runner-up, will make his Formula 1 debut during Free Practice 1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix on October 30. He will also participate in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix the following week. Slater, who was the first driver in Audi's new driver development program, previously competed in the Italian F4 and Formula Regional European series. Audi took over the Sauber team for their maiden F1 season, and Slater's outings are part of his preparation for a move to Formula 2 in 2027. Allan McNish, Audi's racing director, emphasized the importance of this opportunity for Slater's development.

Source Links

Autosport Motorsport.com BBC Sport

Key Details

•Slater will drive for Audi in Mexico City on October 30.
•He will have a second practice outing at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
•Slater finished second in this season's Formula 3 championship.
•He is set to transition to Formula 2 in 2027 with Invicta.
•Audi has initiated a new driver academy supporting Slater's development.

Latest Updates

3:02 PMAutosport — Slater set for F1 practice debut with Audi at Mexico
3:02 PMMotorsport.com — Audi hands F3 runner-up Freddie Slater F1 practice debut
3:00 PMBBC Sport — Briton Slater, 18, to make practice debut in Mexico

What they're saying

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Audi junior Freddie Slater will make his debut at the wheel of a Formula 1 car with a couple of Free Practice 1 outings in Mexico City and Sao Paulo. Audi took over the Sauber team ahead of the 2026 season for the German brand’s maiden F1 season, incidentally launching a new driver academy, which has largely rested on Slater’s shoulders. Previously an Italian F4 and Formula Regional ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com

"
Audi junior Freddie Slater will make his debut at the wheel of a Formula 1 car with a couple of Free Practice 1 outings in Mexico City and Sao Paulo. Audi took over the Sauber team ahead of 2026 for the German brand’s maiden F1 season, incidentally launching a new driver academy, which has largely rested on Slater’s shoulders. Previously an Italian F4 and Formula Regional European ...Keep reading
— Autosport