Here is the thing about young driver programs: eventually, the kids have to drive the real machine. According to Autosport, Audi junior Freddie Slater is about to get his first taste of Formula 1 machinery with Free Practice 1 outings in Mexico City and Sao Paulo.
Audi took over the Sauber team ahead of 2026 for the German brand's maiden F1 season, incidentally launching a new driver academy, which has largely rested on Slater’s shoulders. Previously an Italian F4 and Formula Regional European champion, Slater has lived up to expectations by taking second place in Formula 3 behind Ugo Ugochukwu — the 18-year-old Briton was the highest-placed rookie in the standings.
We are looking forward to having Colton back in the car for FP1 on Friday, and we also plan to bring some small floor and cooling upgrades for evaluation.
Ahead of his step up to Formula 2 with Invicta — following in the footsteps of fellow Trident F3 racers Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Camara — Slater will be in action in FP1 at the Mexican and Brazilian grands prix, helping Audi fulfil the rules' young-driver requirements. Alpine junior Paul Aron was loaned to Audi on two occasions earlier this season for free practice sessions, and Slater is getting the team's last two mandatory rookie outings, replacing Nico Hulkenberg and Bortoleto once each.
“Getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car at a grand prix weekend is a big moment for me and something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid,” Slater said. Audi racing director Allan McNish added: “These appearances in Mexico and Brazil will give him valuable experience of a Formula 1 race weekend, and another chance to continue his development before he steps up to Formula 2 next season.”
Meanwhile, Cadillac test and development driver Colton Herta will be in action at this weekend's United States Grand Prix, driving Sergio Perez’s car. Austin will mark the Californian’s fourth FP1 session of the year, though his latest, in Monza, was cut short by a suspected hydraulic issue.
“Driving the MAC-26 in front of the American fans at COTA is going to be special,” Herta said. Team principal Marcin Budkowski added: “We are looking forward to having Colton back in the car for FP1 on Friday, and we also plan to bring some small floor and cooling upgrades for evaluation.” Currently a lowly 19th in the F2 standings, Herta told Autosport he was still aiming at F1 by 2028, while his plans for next year remain unclear.
