Audi junior Slater moves to F2 with champion team Invicta for 2027

Freddie Slater, the first driver signed to Audi's newly established Formula 1 Driver Development Programme, will graduate to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing for the 2027 season. The 18-year-old British driver secured the seat after finishing as runner-up in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he finished 14 points behind champion Ugo Ugochukwu. The move represents a natural progression for Slater, who was signed by Audi earlier this year to spearhead its junior programme ahead of the manufacturer's F1 entry in 2026. Invicta Racing provides a proven environment for his development, having won the F2 Drivers' and Teams' championships in both 2024 and 2025. "The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver," said Allan McNish, Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme. "He enjoyed a strong Formula 3 season, fighting for the title until the final round showing his speed, racecraft and progress throughout the year." Slater's F3 campaign was marked by strong early form, including four consecutive feature-race podiums that gave him the championship lead over the summer break.