Audi announces Freddie Slater as the first member of its development program

"In Freddie, we see the immense potential of a future star." Allan McNish is full of superlatives when describing the new recruit to the Audi academy, but it's hard to argue with him on this point. Dazzling during his first years in carFreddie Slater is one of the greatest hopes of junior formulas after his authoritative title win in the demanding FRECA in 2025.

The only anomaly in his career lay in his lack of affiliation with an academy, whereas the teams of Formula 1 Clubs usually flock to sign such a star driver. The Briton took his time to consider his options before finally joining Audi, as had been expected for several weeks.

The German manufacturer launched its young driver program last week, on the sidelines of the presentation of its R26 in Berlin. Freddie Slater becomes its first member, as well as the new development driver for the four-ringed brand. “In Freddie, we see the immense potential of a future star. His record is remarkable, but above all, he possesses the focus, determination, and willingness to learn that are essential to reaching the top of our sport.” Allan McNish, Audi's driver development program director, is delighted. "He is the ideal candidate to be the program's first recruit, and we are committed to providing him with the tools, mentorship, and support he needs to succeed during his time in Formula 3 with Trident Motorsport. This is the first step in building our future, on and off the track.

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A generational talent 

Freddie Slater impressed in the junior formulas, notably winning the Italian F4 championship in 2024 with an impressive 15 wins and 11 pole positions in 21 races. The 17-year-old driver, crowned champion with a 161-point lead over runner-up Jack Beeton, also won the UAE F4 championship that year. In 2025, he moved up to the FRECA series with just as much success: a decisive title victory with 8 wins, a feat not seen since Frederik Vesti in 2019 (13 wins).

"It is a huge honor to be the first driver selected for the Audi Driver Development Programme."the young man savors. “Audi is a brand with a legendary history in motorsport, and to have their trust and support at this key moment in my career is a dream come true. Joining forces with a respected team like Trident Motorsport in Formula 3, while also having the backing of Audi, represents a huge opportunity. I am fully focused on the work ahead to make the most of this crucial step towards my goal of reaching Formula 1.”

This season, Freddie Slater will be the overwhelming favorite for the Formula 3 title with Trident, the team that has won the last three drivers' titles with Gabriel Bortoleto (2023), Leonardo Fornaroli (2024), and Rafael Câmara (2025). Within the Italian team, he will be partnered with Matteo De Palo, his runner-up in FRECA last year, and supported by McLaren, as well as Noah Strømsted, 6th in F3 in 2025, who left the academy Mercedes Benz.

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