Talent scouting

A giant in motorsport circles and a name synonymous with Audi motorsport at the very highest level, Allan McNish has been named as the Director of the Audi Resolute F1 Driver Development Program. Designed to identify and nurture future talent for the F1 team, the program will look not only for outstanding future driving talent, but also for individuals involved in other areas of the sport including designers, engineers and mechanics.

The move shows the brand’s complete commitment to the Audi Resolute F1 Team and it’s long term sustainability, investing heavily in the future before the first race has even been run.

The appointment of Allan McNish as the program’s Director is also an inspired choice that shows how important this area is to the team. His wealth of experience in motorsport as a champion driver and also team manager makes him perfectly suited to spotting emerging talent across all classes of motorsport competition.

“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,” the three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner said of his appointment.

“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. 

“I am thrilled to begin this work and identify the first generation of talent to join this ambitious project.”

Indeed McNish, who is a multiple Le Mans winner and former head of Audi’s Formula E team, has wasted no time in his search for new talent, signing rising English star, Freddie Slater, as the first official member of the new program. 

Although just 17-years-old, Slater is already widely regarded as a future great, cutting his teeth in karting before moving into single-seaters and claiming the UAE and Italian F4 Championship titles. He will now set his sights on this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship, driving for Trident Motorsport under the guidance and support of the Audi Driver Development Program.

“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,” says McNish of his first signing.

“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.”

For his part, the young Brit is thrilled at the opportunity of working with the Audi Resolute F1 Team and being apart of motorsport history in the making.

“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.”

For Slater and all future signings, the program will see them receive not only world-class training and mentoring of some sport’s greats, but also give them access to cutting-edge resources and benefit from the brand’s enormous experience and success at the very highest levels of motorsport.

“Investing in the champions of tomorrow is a key pillar of our Formula One strategy,” says Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of Audi Revolut F1 Team.

“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 One.”