Briton Freddie Slater is set to make his debut in a Formula 1 car during the first practice sessions for Audi at the Mexico City Grand Prix on 30 October. The 18-year-old talent will follow up this experience with a second outing at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix just a week later.

Slater is the inaugural driver to join Audi's driver development programme since the German manufacturer entered Formula 1 this season. Allan McNish, Audi's racing director, expressed confidence in Slater's progress, stating, "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."

These upcoming practice sessions are crucial for Slater, as they will provide him with invaluable experience of a Formula 1 race weekend. McNish added that this opportunity will aid Slater’s development ahead of his transition to Formula 2 next season.

Reflecting on this milestone, Slater remarked, "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." He is eager to continue building on his experience after finishing second in his debut Formula 3 championship this season.

Looking ahead, Slater is set to join the front-running Invicta team in Formula 2 in 2027, while current Invicta driver Rafael Camara, who leads this year's F2 championship, is preparing to step up to F1 with the Haas team next season.