Here's the thing about watching real talent climb the ladder: sometimes the next step happens faster than you expect. Freddie Slater is making that exact leap, signing with Invicta Racing to contest the 2027 FIA Formula 2 campaign. This makes the squad the very first to lock in a driver for that upcoming season, securing the services of the 2026 FIA Formula 3 runner-up who is coming straight off a brilliant run with the current F2 Teams' Champions.
That F3 campaign was genuinely wild to watch unfold, featuring one race victory, seven more podium finishes, and three pole positions all adding up to P2 in the Drivers' Standings. But his CV goes much deeper than that single season. Before cutting his teeth in F3, this Audi Driver Development Programme talent collected an incredible string of crowns, taking titles in the Formula Regional European Championship in 2025, the Italian and UAE F4 championships in 2024, and the Ginetta Junior Championship way back in 2023.
The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver,
Looking ahead to his graduation, Slater made his enthusiasm clear. “I’m really excited to be stepping up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next year,” he said. “I learned a lot in Formula 3 this season, and I feel I have developed as a driver and as a person over the course of the year. Invicta has a great record in Formula 2, and I cannot wait to get started with the team and prepare for our campaign together. I am also very grateful for the continued support from the Audi Driver Development Programme. There is still a lot for me to learn, and I’m really looking forward to taking on this new challenge.”
The outfit's leadership is just as thrilled to grab such a proven racer. Invicta Racing CEO and Team Principal James Robinson pointed out the raw numbers behind the signing. “We’re delighted to welcome Freddie to Invicta Racing for 2027,” Robinson stated. “To finish runner-up in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in his first season is an outstanding achievement, particularly given the level of competition in the category. His results throughout the year, including a victory, three pole positions and eight podiums, underline the pace and consistency he has shown. Freddie has demonstrated that he is ready for the next challenge, and we’re very excited to help him take that next step in Formula 2.”
Meanwhile, Allan McNish, Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme, emphasized that this is simply where the young racer belongs right now. “The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver,” McNish noted. “He enjoyed a strong Formula 3 season, fighting for the title until the final round - showing his speed, racecraft and progress throughout the year. We are very proud of what Freddie has achieved this season and how he has developed along the way. Invicta Racing has had an excellent record in recent years, and we are delighted to be working with them. We believe it is the ideal environment for him, and we look forward to supporting him as he takes on this new challenge in 2027.”
