Freddie Slater will step into an F1 car for FP1 in Mexico City and São Paulo – a moment many fans have been waiting for, right?
Audi acquired Sauber for 2026, launching a driver academy that now leans heavily on Slater’s talent.
The former Italian F4 and Formula Regional European champion proved his mettle, finishing runner‑up to Ugo Ugochukwu in F3 as the top rookie.
Heading to F2 with Invicta, Slater will hit the track in Mexico and Brazil, satisfying the series’ young‑driver quota – for my money, his ascent is impressive.
Audi previously loaned Alpine reserve Paul Aron for two FP1 runs; Slater now claims the final two rookie slots, succeeding Hulkenberg and Bortoleto.
Freddie Slater, TRIDENT
“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 will be another opportunity to keep gaining on‑track experience.
“Being part of the Audi Driver Development Programme has already given me some incredible opportunities, and I am grateful for their trust and support. I’m really looking forward to getting out on track: my focus will be on doing the best job I can, helping the team with its programme and taking as many learnings as possible from both sessions.”
“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 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. We are looking forward to seeing him in the R26 and supporting him through these two important FP1 sessions.”
Colton Herta in at COTA
Earlier, Cadillac test driver Colton Herta will race at the United States Grand Prix, piloting Sergio Pérez’s car. Austin will host his fourth FP1 of the year, after a Monza run cut short by a suspected hydraulic issue.
Colton Herta, Cadillac Racing
“Driving the MAC‑26 in front of the American fans at COTA is going to be special,” Herta said. “I have great memories at this track – winning my first IndyCar race here back in 2019 was a huge moment in my career, so stepping into an F1 car on this layout feels like coming full circle.
“I’ve built up a good rhythm with the team through my previous FP1 runs in Barcelona, Budapest, and Monza, so my goal for Friday morning is straightforward: execute the test program cleanly, help the engineers gather good data on the set‑up, and hand the car back to Checo with some useful feedback to support the team for the rest of the weekend.”
“The high‑speed sweeping section in sector one and the tight, low‑speed turns at the end of the lap are tricky for car set‑up, and the bumps always add an extra dimension,” team principal Marcin Budkowski noted about the Circuit of the Americas.
“We are looking forward to having Colton back in the car for FP1 on Friday, and we also plan to bring some small floor and cooling upgrades for evaluation. Colton knows this circuit very well from his IndyCar career, so his feedback will be valuable as we establish our baseline for the weekend.”
Currently 19th in the F2 standings, Herta says he still aims for an F1 seat by 2028, though his plans for next year remain unclear.
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– The Team