The Audi Formula 1 team has named 28-year-old Swiss driver Ralph Boschung as its development driver, despite his recent retirement announcement. Boschung joins British driver Freddie Slater in the newly launched Driver Development Programme. The programme, directed by former F1 driver Allan McNish, aims to nurture young talent for Audi's future in the sport.
The Audi Formula 1 team announced on its Driver Development Programme the appointment of Ralph Boschung as a development driver. The 28-year-old Swiss racer, who previously competed in Formula 2 from 2017 to 2023, secured a race victory in his final season with Campos Racing. Although Boschung declared his retirement from racing via social media in 2024, he now takes on this new role alongside Freddie Slater.
Audi launched the Driver Development Programme at the end of January 2026. The initiative is led by Allan McNish, a former F1 driver, who emphasized its importance in building the team's future. “To be entrusted with finding the cornerstones of the future Audi Revolut F1 Team is a great honour and a responsibility I am very passionate about,” said McNish. “This brand is built on a history of 'Vorsprung durch Technik', and that philosophy must apply to our young drivers as much as to our cars. We are not just looking for raw speed; we are looking for the resilience, intelligence, and team-driven mindset that defines a future Audi champion. Our goal is to build a pathway that turns potential into precision and performance on the world stage. I am thrilled to begin this work and identify the first generation of talent to join this ambitious project."
Team principal Jonathan Wheatley highlighted the programme's strategic value. “Investing in the champions of tomorrow is a key pillar of our Formula 1 strategy,” Wheatley stated. “The Audi Driver Development Programme is a clear statement of our long-term commitment to youth and our ambition to be competitive. With Allan McNish, we have a director who not only has an incredible track record in motorsport but also embodies the spirit and dedication of our operations. Under his leadership, this programme will be integral to our vision for 2030, our goal of building a winning team and shaping the future of Audi in Formula 1."
This move underscores Audi's focus on developing talent ahead of its full entry into Formula 1.