Audi has signed reigning Formulation Regional European champion Freddie Slater as its Driver Growth Programme’s first member.
Audi simply took over the Sauber Formulation 1 outfit after finishing its acquisition in 2024 and introduced on Friday it was launching its personal academy, managed by former F1 driver and three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Allan McNish – who triumphed with Audi on two events.
At simply 17 years previous, Slater already has three titles to his title in single-seaters, having received the United Arab Emirates and Italian Formulation 4 championships in 2024, then the Formulation Regional European Championship final yr – all the time with the Prema outfit. He beforehand was a European and World Karting champion.
The Englishman’s rise in junior formulation earned him ardent reward from Prema’s outgoing group principal Rene Rosin, who informed Autosport: “His work perspective, his dedication, he’s actually into all the small print and he’s making an attempt to actually push all of the boundaries to the intense to get all the pieces carried out completely.
“He pushes the group ahead – he’s only a laborious employee. He has the uncooked pace, innate expertise however however there’s his dedication – he is aware of what he desires – these are the important thing facets for him.”
Slater is now graduating to Formulation 3 with Trident, which ran the collection’ newest three champions: Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Camara.
“It’s an unbelievable honour to be the primary driver chosen for the Audi Driver Growth Programme,” Slater mentioned. “Audi is a model with a legendary motorsport historical past, and to have their belief and help at this important stage of my profession is a dream come true.
Freddie Slater
Photograph by: AG Photograph – Daniele Paglino
“Becoming a member of forces with a revered group like Trident Motorsport for Formulation 3 and having the backing of Audi F1 Group is an enormous alternative. I’m absolutely targeted on working laborious and profiting from this pivotal step in direction of my aim of reaching Formulation 1.”
McNish added: “In Freddie, we see the immense potential of a future star. His monitor file is exceptional, however extra importantly, he possesses the main focus, dedication, and willingness to be taught which might be important for reaching the top of our sport.
“He’s the perfect candidate to be the primary signing of the Audi Driver Growth Programme, and we’re dedicated to offering him with the instruments, mentorship, and help he must succeed as he steps as much as Formulation 3 with Trident Motorsport. This is step one in constructing our future on and off the monitor.”
Forward of his maiden F3 marketing campaign, Slater is at the moment participating within the Formulation Regional Oceania Trophy (previously often called the Toyota Racing Sequence) in New Zealand, at the moment holding second place within the standings behind the extra skilled Ugo Ugochukwu, who raced in F3 final yr.
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