Audi takes a bold step into the world of single-seaters by officially announcing the arrival of Freddie Slater, the young British prodigy, as the first member of its development program. At 17 years old, this promising champion is set to write a new chapter in the history of motorsport with the support of a legendary brand.
An ambitious program
After finalizing the acquisition of the Sauber team in Formula 1 in 2024, Audi announced on Friday the launch of its own young driver pipeline. This project will be led by Allan McNish, a former F1 driver and three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With a rich career, including two victories behind the wheel of an Audi, McNish is well-positioned to guide young talents to the heights of motorsport.
The impressive journey of Freddie Slater
Freddie Slater is no stranger to the scene. His record is already impressive, with victories in the Formula 4 of the United Arab Emirates and Italy in 2024, followed by a title in the European Regional Formula the following season, still with the Prema team. Before stepping onto single-seater circuits, he had already made a name for himself in karting, becoming European and World Champion.
Slater’s meteoric rise through the junior categories has garnered admiration from René Rosin, director of the Prema team, who told Motorsport.com: “His work ethic, commitment, attention to detail… He is fully invested and constantly seeks to push the limits to achieve perfection.”
A promising future in Formula 3
In addition to his successes in the European Regional Formula, Freddie Slater also participated in seven British F3 (GB3) races in 2024 with Rodin Motorsport, finishing 22nd in the standings with 51 points. His performances are attracting attention and highlighting his exceptional potential.
Slater will now take a new step in his career by moving up to Formula 3, within the Trident team, known for having nurtured the last three champions of the discipline: Gabriel Bortoleto (2023), Leonardo Fornaroli (2025), and Rafael Câmara (2026). This transition represents a decisive turning point in his young career.
The voice of a young talent
“It is a tremendous honor to be the first driver selected for Audi’s development program,” Slater stated. “Audi is a brand with a legendary past in motorsport, and receiving their trust and support at such a pivotal moment in my career is a dream come true.”
He also added: “Partnering with such a renowned team as Trident Motorsport in Formula 3, while benefiting from the support of the Audi F1 team, represents an exceptional opportunity. I am fully focused on the work to be done and determined to make the most of this key step on the road to Formula 1.”
Strong support for the future
Allan McNish, aware of Slater’s potential, expressed his confidence in him: “In Freddie, we see the immense potential of a future star. His record is impressive, but beyond the results, he possesses the focus, determination, and thirst for learning essential to reach the top of our sport.”
“He was the ideal candidate to become the very first member of Audi’s driver development program. We are fully committed to providing him with the tools, mentorship, and support necessary to succeed in his transition to Formula 3 with Trident Motorsport. This is the first stone in the foundation we are building for the future, on and off the track.”
Debuts in the Oceania Championship
While awaiting his debut in Formula 3, Slater is currently participating in the Oceania Regional Formula Championship (formerly Toyota Racing Series), held in New Zealand. For now, he is in second place in the championship, just behind Ugo Ugochukwu, who already has experience in Formula 3.
Audi has thus bet on a promising young talent who could well shape the future of the brand in motorsport. With high ambitions and solid support, Freddie Slater seems to be on the right track to join the top leagues of motorsport.
