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Freddie Slater details ‘very weird’ experience in ‘historic’ Audi F1 debut

MEXICO CITY - Freddie Slater saw the bright side from an ultimately frustrating Formula 1 debut with Audi in Mexico City, but conveyed his pride at making history for the German marque.

By Jack Oliver Smith · Motorsport Week

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 5:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Freddie Slater described his historic Audi F1 practice debut in Mexico City as a special but very weird experience.
A cooling fan left on Slater's car damaged the vehicle, limited his session, and earned Audi a €7,500 fine.
The 18-year-old British driver became the first member of Audi's junior driver programme to take part in FP1.

The Story in 60 Seconds

British teenager Freddie Slater reflected on his historic Formula 1 practice debut with Audi at the Mexico City Grand Prix, calling the experience "very weird" but special. The 18-year-old made history as the first member of Audi's junior driver programme to drive in an official F1 session, taking part in Free Practice 1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Slater's running was severely compromised when mechanics inadvertently left a cooling fan attached to the R26, causing car damage and drawing a €7,500 FIA fine. Despite missing most of the session and finishing last, Slater completed two late push laps and expressed gratitude for the intense transition from Formula 3 machinery.

Read the full article on Motorsport Week