One to watch

Although nine rounds remain in motorsport’s premiere formula for 2026, the weekend’s racing in Madrid marked the end of this year’s Formula 3 season, with Audi Development Driver, Freddie Slater, cementing the runners-up position in the drivers’ championship driving for Trident Motorsport.

For Freddie Slater, 2026 has been an extraordinary year that has not only showcased his tremendous talent, but made it abundantly clear why he was the first driver to be signed to the newly-created Audi Revolut F1 Driver Development Program at the start of the season. At just 18, the British driver has not only completed his first full season of FIA Formula 3 racing, but he fought for the championship right up until the final weekend only just missing out on taking the championship outright.

Now all of that hard work has paid off with the next step confirmed that in 2027 the young Briton will graduate to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing, continuing his progression towards the highest levels of single-seater racing under Audi's guidance.

Slater's move into cars began in 2022, and the results came almost immediately. He became the youngest-ever Ginetta Junior Winter Series champion before winning the Ginetta Junior Championship the following year. In 2024 he made the transition to single-seaters and won both the Italian and UAE Formula 4 championships. A year later he stepped up again, taking the Formula Regional European Championship title.

By the time Audi announced him as the first recruit to its Driver Development Programme in January 2026, the pattern was unmistakable. Slater had won championships at virtually every level he had contested.

At the time, Audi racing great and now Racing Director of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, Allan McNish, said he possessed all of the attributes the team were looking for to ensure a bright future for the Formula 1 project:

“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,”

Slater adapted quickly to Formula 3 and demonstrated that ability to learn. His 2026 campaign driving for Trident Motorsport began in Melbourne with a second-place feature race finish and he was off and running. Monaco brought another feature race podium, followed by second in the Barcelona Sprint. In Austria, Spielberg delivered another third place, while at Silverstone in his home he produced yet another podium result in the main. Feature race finishing in second. Then in Belgium at Spa-Francorchamps he was again on the podium – this time in third – reinforcing not just his obvious speed, but just as importantly, his consistency.

In Budapest, Slater managed another major breakthrough, first fighting his way into the lead and then holding off championship rival Ugo Ugochukwu to claim his first F3 victory. It was also the moment when he took control of the championship, moving to the top of the standings with two rounds remaining.

Despite taking pole position in Monza and finishing second in the sprint race, a mechanical failure put paid to his main race. Madrid too was a less than idea race, but despite finishing seventh in the race, his season was such that he secured an extraordinary second in the drivers championship. One Feature Race victory, three pole positions and eight podium finishes in his rookie F3 season.

“The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver,” says Allan McNish.

“He enjoyed a strong Formula 3 season, fighting for the title until the final round - showing his speed, racecraft and progress throughout the year. We are very proud of what Freddie has achieved this season and how he has developed along the way.”

For Slater, the chance to join Invicta Racing in 2027 with the continued support of Audi is the icing on what has already been a year to remember.

“I’m really excited to be stepping up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next year. I learned a lot in Formula 3 this season, and I feel I have developed as a driver and as a person over the course of the year,” Slater says.

“Invicta has a great record in Formula 2, and I cannot wait to get started with the team and prepare for our campaign together.”

It’s a fitting end to one season and promises an exciting season to come for the young British driver. For Audi and the Audi Revolut F1 Team, it also vindicates the faith shown in him and bodes well for the team’s own longterm prospects.

“We are very proud of what Freddie has achieved this season and how he has developed along the way,” McNish says.

“Invicta Racing has had an excellent record in recent years, and we are delighted to be working with them. We believe it is the ideal environment for him, and we look forward to supporting him as he takes on this new challenge in 2027.”