Britain’s 18-year-old Freddie Slater will make his Formula 1 free practice debut for Audi at next week’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
Audi entered Formula 1 this year after taking over the Sauber team, and Slater was the first driver signed to the team’s new driver academy.
Slater finished second in the Formula 3 standings to Ugo Ugochukwu in his debut season while racing for Trident Motorsport. He is slated to move to Formula 2 with Invicta next year to replace Rafael Camara, who has been signed by Haas’ Formula 1 team.
“Getting behind the wheel of an F1 car at a grand prix weekend is a big moment for me and something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid,” Slater said. “I’ve learned a lot this year, and these Free practice outings with Audi F1 Team will be another opportunity to keep gaining on-track experience.”
Slater is also slated to drive in the first practice session at next month’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
“We have seen Freddie making great progress throughout recent years, both on and off the track; it is the right time for Freddie to step up,” Audi racing director and academy director Allan McNish said.
“These appearances in Mexico and Brazil will give him valuable experience of a Formula 1 race weekend, and another chance to continue his development before he steps up to Formula 2 next season.”
–Field Level Media
