Ralph Boschung has been appointed as a development driver for the Audi Formula 1 team. The German manufacturer announced it via its social media channels. British Formula 3 driver Freddie Slater is also part of the new programme. The aim is to prepare young talent for the top flight.
The 28-year-old Boschung ended his racing career at the start of 2024. The Swiss driver competed in Formula 2 from 2017 through 2023 and claimed one victory, in the Sprint Race in Bahrain. Over the course of last year Boschung had already hinted at a role within the Sauber and later Audi project. He posted several messages on social media, and it is now confirmed that he has become a development driver for the team.
Boschung brings years of race experience, while Slater is an emerging talent. Audi will keep the Formula 3 driver firmly on its radar. Both drivers will be involved in car development, through simulator work, test sessions and technical feedback. For the Brit it complements his F3 campaign, while Boschung breathes new life into his racing career.
‘Future Audi champion’
The development programme kicked off at the end of January and is headed by former Formula 1 driver Allan McNish, a three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “It’s a responsibility I’m hugely passionate about. We’re not just looking for raw pace, but also resilience, intelligence and a team-focused mentality that can produce a future Audi champion,” McNish said.
With an eye on 2030, Audi wants to build a winning team and secure a future in Formula 1. The German team’s team principal, Jonathan Wheatley, views the pathway as Audi’s strategy to give talent a shot. “Investing in the champions of tomorrow forms the foundation of our Formula 1 strategy. It underlines our ambition to be competitive in the long term and to give young talent opportunities,” the Brit noted.
