Audi has signed 17-year-old Formula Regional European champion Freddie Slater as the inaugural member of its new Driver Development Programme. The move comes after Audi's acquisition of the Sauber Formula 1 team in 2024. Slater will step up to Formula 3 with Trident Motorsport, aiming for a future in F1.
Audi's entry into Formula 1 has gained momentum with the launch of its Driver Development Programme, managed by former F1 driver and three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Allan McNish, who secured victories with Audi on two occasions. The programme's first signing is English prodigy Freddie Slater, who at 17 years old has already claimed three single-seater titles. In 2024, he won the United Arab Emirates and Italian Formula 4 championships, following his Formula Regional European Championship triumph the previous year—all with the Prema team. Slater's earlier successes include European and World Karting championships.
Prema's outgoing team principal Rene Rosin praised Slater's qualities, telling 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 expressed his excitement: “It’s an incredible honour to be the first driver selected for the Audi Driver Development Programme. 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. 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 highlighted Slater's potential: “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.”
Trident has a strong recent history in Formula 3, having fielded the last three champions: Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara. Currently, ahead of his F3 debut, Slater is competing in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy in New Zealand, where he holds second place in the standings behind Ugo Ugochukwu, a more experienced driver from last year's F3 grid.
