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Audi Signs 17-Year-Old Freddie Slater as First Driver in New F1 Development Programme

Led by Allan McNish, the initiative backs his 2026 Formula 3 move with Trident to seed long-term talent for Audi’s F1 project.

Overview

  • Audi confirmed Slater as the inaugural member of its newly launched Driver Development Programme for drivers and engineers.
  • The Briton will compete in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 season with Trident, receiving mentoring, tools and full support from the programme.
  • Slater’s résumé includes the 2024 Formula 4 titles in Italy and the UAE and the 2025 Formula Regional European championship after earlier European and world karting crowns.
  • McNish praised Slater’s potential and work ethic, calling him an ideal first candidate for the effort.
  • Slater described the selection as an honor and said he is focused on maximizing the F3 step toward his goal of reaching Formula 1.