Audi signs Slater as first academy driver

Audi has signed reigning Formula Regional European champion Freddie Slater as its Driver Development Programme’s first member.

Audi has taken over the Sauber Formula 1 outfit after completing its acquisition in 2024 and announced on Friday it was launching its own academy, managed by former F1 driver and three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Allan McNish – who triumphed with Audi on two occasions.

At just 17 years old, Slater already has three titles to his name in single-seaters, having won the United Arab Emirates and Italian Formula 4 championships in 2024, then the Formula Regional European Championship last year – always with the Prema outfit. He previously was a European and World Karting champion.

The Englishman’s rise in junior formulae earned him ardent praise from Prema’s outgoing team principal Rene Rosin, who told Autosport: “His work attitude, his dedication, he’s really into all the details and he’s trying to really push all the boundaries to the extreme to get everything done perfectly.

“He pushes the team forward – he’s just a hard worker. He has the raw speed, innate talent but on the other hand there’s his determination – he knows what he wants – these are the key aspects for him.”

Slater is now graduating to Formula 3 with Trident, which ran the series’ latest three champions: Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Camara.

“It’s an incredible honour to be the first driver selected for the Audi Driver Development Programme,” Slater said. “Audi is a brand with a legendary motorsport history, and to have their trust and support at this crucial stage of my career is a dream come true.

Watch: Freddie Slater Carves Through the Field

“Joining forces with a respected team like Trident Motorsport for Formula 3 and having the backing of Audi F1 Team is a massive opportunity. I am fully focused on working hard and making the most of this pivotal step towards my goal of reaching Formula 1.”

McNish added: “In Freddie, we see the immense potential of a future star. His track record is remarkable, but more importantly, he possesses the focus, determination, and willingness to learn that are essential for reaching the pinnacle of our sport.

“He is the ideal candidate to be the first signing of the Audi Driver Development Programme, and we are committed to providing him with the tools, mentorship, and support he needs to succeed as he steps up to Formula 3 with Trident Motorsport. This is the first step in building our future on and off the track.”

Ahead of his maiden F3 campaign, Slater is currently taking part in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (formerly known as the Toyota Racing Series) in New Zealand, currently holding second place in the standings behind the more experienced Ugo Ugochukwu, who raced in F3 last year.