Freddie Slater’s rapid rise through the junior ranks is taking another significant step forward, with the highly rated British youngster set to graduate to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing in 2027.
The 18-year-old, an Audi Driver Development Programme protege, has earned the promotion after finishing runner-up in this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship.
Slater came within 14 points of champion Ugo Ugochukwu despite tackling the series as a rookie, underlining why Audi has moved quickly to support his progression.
His F3 campaign yielded a Feature Race win, three pole positions and eight podium finishes, while his development has continued a trajectory that began in Ginetta Junior before taking him through Italian and UAE Formula 4 and the Formula Regional European Championship.
Slater became the first driver signed to Audi’s newly established Driver Development Programme earlier this year, and the German manufacturer is now entrusting him to one of F2’s most successful teams.
Invicta Racing arrives at the partnership with an impressive recent pedigree, having secured consecutive F2 Drivers’ and Teams’ titles in 2024 and 2025. For Audi, that record makes the British outfit a fitting place for its young prospect to tackle the next stage of his education.
Allan McNish, Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme, believes Slater’s F3 performances have justified the move.
“The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver.
“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.
“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.”
Slater takes aim at the next challenge
The move also keeps Slater firmly on Audi’s long-term development path as the manufacturer prepares to enter Formula 1 in 2026. While F2 represents a substantial increase in competition and complexity, Slater heads into the new challenge with considerable momentum.
For the teenager, the next step is as much about continuing his education as it is about chasing results.
“I’m really excited to be stepping up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next year,” Slater said. “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.
“Invicta has a great record in Formula 2, and I cannot wait to get started with the team and prepare for our campaign together.
“I am also very grateful for the continued support from the Audi Driver Development Programme. There is still a lot for me to learn, and I’m really looking forward to taking on this new challenge.”
Slater will therefore enter 2027 with one of the strongest junior résumés in the field and the backing of a manufacturer with a clear interest in his future.
The next question is whether the F2 rookie can translate his eye-catching F3 form into another rapid step up the single-seater ladder.
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