Audi’s Freddie Slater Could Get His First F1 Chance Sooner Than Expected

[Source: Formula1]

Just two weeks ago, we learned that Audi junior driver Freddie Slater will make the jump to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing for the 2027 season. Apparently, a taste of Formula 1 may happen even sooner. According to Formula 1, Audi boss Mattia Binotto was recently asked whether Slater would take on F1 duties during the 2027 season. His response was, “Or maybe even earlier.” Binotto went on to confirm that F1 duties are part of Slater’s development plan.

That opens the possibility that Slater could get behind the wheel of Audi’s R26 before the end of 2026. Exactly what that opportunity might look like hasn’t been confirmed, but an FP1 appearance is one possibility. Teams without a full-time rookie are required to hand over their cars to young drivers for four FP1 sessions during the season. Audi has used Paul Aron for two of those sessions so far, leaving two remaining opportunities.

Audi Is Thinking Beyond F2

Slater became the first driver signed to Audi’s Driver Development Program earlier this year and has worked closely with Audi Racing Director Allan McNish. His rookie F3 season gave Audi plenty to be encouraged about. Slater entered the final weekend in Madrid leading the championship before ultimately finishing second to Ugo Ugochukwu.

Binotto also pointed to Slater’s progress throughout the season. He said the young driver initially struggled with using his tires too aggressively but became more balanced, improved his tire management, gained experience, and finished the season strongly.

And Audi’s ambitions for Slater clearly extend beyond giving him an occasional practice session.

Binotto said whether Slater eventually earns an F1 race seat will depend on how strongly he continues to develop. But he also made Audi’s objective for its driver academy clear, when the team invests in a young driver, the long-term plan is for that driver to eventually occupy an Audi F1 seat.

Slater still has plenty to prove, beginning with his move to Formula 2 next season. But his path toward Formula 1 may already be moving faster than expected.