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F1 newcomer Freddie Slater set for two Audi FP1 outings in Mexico and São Paulo

Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-10-22GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration

The 18-year-old is set for FP1 in Mexico City on 30 October and São Paulo a week later, completing Audi’s final two mandatory rookie outings.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

Freddie Slater will make his F1 practice debut in Mexico City on 30 October, followed by a second FP1 outing for Audi in São Paulo a week later. The 18-year-old’s appearances will complete the team’s last two mandatory rookie sessions, with Slater replacing Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto once each.

Slater finished runner-up in Formula 3 behind Ugo Ugochukwu and was the championship’s highest-placed rookie. He had already won titles in Italian F4 and the Formula Regional European Championship, and was the first driver brought into Audi’s development programme after the marque’s F1 entry for 2026. He is due to move to Formula 2 with Invicta in 2027.

Audi racing director Allan McNish said Slater had made strong progress and that it was the right time for him to step up. Slater called the chance to drive an F1 car at a grand prix weekend ‘a big moment’ and said he would focus on helping Audi with its programme while learning as much as possible from both sessions.

Sources 02
  1. SOURCESlater set for F1 practice debut with Audi at MexicoAutosport
  2. SOURCEBriton Slater, 18, to make practice debut in MexicoBBC Sport F1