Audi grants F3 second-place finisher Freddie Slater his first experience in F1 practice.
Audi junior Freddie Slater is set to experience his first Formula 1 outing with a pair of Free Practice 1 sessions in Mexico City and Sao Paulo.
Audi acquired the Sauber team in preparation for the 2026 season, marking the German manufacturer’s inaugural season in F1, while also establishing a new driver academy that has largely relied on Slater’s performance.
Having previously clinched championships in Italian F4 and Formula Regional European, Slater has met expectations by finishing second in Formula 3, just behind Ugo Ugochukwu – the 18-year-old British driver was the top rookie in the standings.
Before advancing to Formula 2 with Invicta – following in the path of fellow Trident F3 competitors Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara – Slater will participate in FP1 at the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix, aiding Audi in meeting the young-driver requirements set by regulations.
Alpine junior Paul Aron was temporarily assigned to Audi for two free practice sessions earlier this season, and Slater will take the team’s final two required rookie outings, stepping in for Nico Hulkenberg and Bortoleto once each.
Freddie Slater, TRIDENT
“Getting the chance to drive a Formula 1 car during a grand prix weekend is a significant moment for me and something I’ve dreamed about since childhood,” Slater expressed. “I’ve gained a lot of knowledge this year, and these free practice sessions with Audi will offer another chance to enhance my on-track experience.
“Being part of the Audi Driver Development Programme has already provided me with incredible opportunities, and I appreciate their trust and support. I’m eager to get on track: my aim will be to perform to the best of my abilities, assist the team with its program, and absorb as much as I can from both sessions.”
“We have seen Freddie making significant strides in recent years, both on and off the track; it is the appropriate moment for him to advance,” remarked Audi’s racing director and DDP director Allan McNish. “These outings in Mexico and Brazil will provide him with invaluable experience of a Formula 1 race weekend, and another opportunity to further his development before he transitions to Formula 2 next season. We are excited to see him in the R26 and to support him through these crucial FP1 sessions.”
Colton Herta to Drive at COTA
In another development, Cadillac test and development driver Colton Herta will participate in the United States Grand Prix, taking the wheel of Sergio Perez’s car. Austin will mark the Californian’s fourth FP1 session of the year, although his most recent outing in Monza was prematurely ended due to a suspected hydraulic issue.
Colton Herta, Cadillac Racing
“Driving the MAC-26 in front of the American fans at COTA will be special,” Herta shared. “I have fond memories at this track – winning my first IndyCar race here back in 2019 was a pivotal moment in my career, so stepping into an F1 car on this circuit feels like a full-circle moment.
“I've developed a solid rhythm with the team through my previous FP1 outings in Barcelona, Budapest, and Monza, so my objective for Friday morning is clear: to execute the test program effectively, assist the engineers in gathering quality data on the set-up, and return the car to Checo with useful feedback to aid the team for the remainder of the weekend.”
“The high-speed sweeping section in sector one and the tight, low-speed turns at the end of the lap present challenges for car set-up, and the bumps always introduce an additional variable,” team principal Marcin Budkowski commented regarding the Circuit of The Americas.
“We look forward to having Colton back in the car for FP1 on Friday, and we also plan to introduce some minor floor and cooling upgrades for evaluation. Colton is very familiar with this circuit from his IndyCar experience, so his insights will be crucial as we establish our baseline for the weekend.”
Currently positioned at a lowly 19th in the F2 standings, Herta mentioned to Motorsport.com that he still aspires to reach F1 by 2028, while his plans for the forthcoming year remain uncertain.
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