Audi has signed the first driver for its brand-new F1 development programme. The 18-year-old Freddie Slater joined the German works outfit on Monday. The young Briton will make his Formula 3 debut this season with Trident Motorsport, backed by Audi’s junior project. Slater will also receive mentoring from former F1 driver Allan McNish. He has already taken significant victories in karting and the other feeder categories.
Freddie Slater has spent the past few years carving out an impressive rise through motorsport. After success in karting he secured titles in the UAE and Italian Formula 4 championships. Last year he was crowned champion in his debut season of the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA). According to Audi, Slater’s arrival strengthens their ‘strategic focus on youth and long-term planning’ within Formula 1. The brand places emphasis on cultivating future champions. The current line-up consists of veteran Nico Hülkenberg and former Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, who comes from McLaren’s junior programme.
Audi’s history beckons
“It is a huge honour to be chosen as the first driver for the Audi programme,” Slater said, pride clear in his voice. “Audi is a marque with a legendary motorsport history, and getting their trust and backing at this pivotal stage of my career is a dream come true. The partnership with a respected outfit like Trident Motorsport for Formula 3, combined with Audi’s support, represents a tremendous opportunity. I’m fully focused on putting in the work and extracting every ounce from this crucial step towards my objective: reaching Formula 1. ”
Allan McNish underlined Slater’s potential and the programme’s strategic value. “In Freddie we see the makings of a future star. His record speaks for itself, but more important are his focus, determination and appetite to learn. Those traits are essential to reach the top of our sport. He is the ideal first recruit for Audi, and we’re committed to giving him the guidance and support he needs to succeed at Trident.”
