Freddie Slater handed Audi F1 practice outings in Mexico and Brazil

Freddie Slater will make his first Formula 1 grand prix weekend appearance for Audi in opening practice at Mexico City on 30 October, BBC Sport reported. The 18-year-old Briton has also been given a second first-practice outing at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix a week later, adding two F1 sessions to his development programme.

Watch the highlights:

Slater became the first driver recruited to Audi's driver development scheme following the German manufacturer's entry into Formula 1 this season. The practice appearances come after he finished second in his debut Formula 3 campaign. He is already confirmed to move into Formula 2 with Invicta in 2027, giving him a next step in junior racing alongside the opportunity to gain experience with Audi.

Allan McNish, Audi's racing director and head of its driver development programme, said in comments reported by the BBC that Slater had made progress both as a driver and away from racing. He described this as the appropriate moment to give him the opportunity. McNish said the Mexico and Brazil sessions would introduce Slater to an F1 race weekend and support his preparation for the move into Formula 2.

Slater described the chance to drive an F1 car during a grand prix weekend as the fulfilment of a childhood ambition. He said he had learned a great deal during the year and saw the two practice sessions as another way to build his experience on track. The confirmed outings are practice assignments, rather than an announcement of a Formula 1 race seat.

The decision follows Audi chief executive Mattia Binotto's earlier public support for Slater. Formula 1's official website reported in September that Binotto regarded F1 duties as part of the teenager's development plan. Slater had led the Formula 3 championship before the final weekend in Madrid but ultimately finished runner-up to Ugo Ugochukwu.

Binotto also made clear that a future race seat would depend on Slater's continued development. He praised improvements in tyre management and a more balanced approach across the Formula 3 season. For now, Slater's confirmed programme combines the two Audi practice appearances with his planned move to Invicta for next year's Formula 2 championship.