Audi now has a driver who can act as a reserve and replace the main drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto in a Formula 1 GP if needed. Freddie Slater became eligible last week to make his debut with the team.
Read more F1: Vowles admits that updates will not save Williams in 2026
The competitor narrowly missed the Formula 3 title after a difficult final round in Madrid. The Brit finished as runner-up behind Ugo Ugochukwu – after winning a series of junior categories in recent years, the result was a setback for the driver, but there is still good news.
With the runner-up position, Slater now has enough points on his Super License. Also, he recently turned 18, which is also a requirement to have a Formula 1 license. Now, with both requirements met, he can already participate in a race in the category.
This means that Audi finally has a reserve driver in case Bortoleto or Hülkenberg cannot compete in a race. Until now, the German team did not have a substitute with a Super License who could step in if something happened – if one of the main drivers was unable, the team would have to turn to one of the rivals to request a ‘loan’.
Read more F1: Stella highlights resource investment in Piastri to resolve 2026 difficulties
At this moment, the main name was the Estonian Paul Aron, who even drove in some free practice sessions with the Audi car.
This means Audi finally has someone available to step in if Hulkenberg or Bortoleto are unable to race. Until now, the German team, like its predecessor Sauber in recent years, did not have a driver with a super license who could compete in Formula 1 and step in.
But there is still a way to go, as Freddie has never participated in a previous car test [TPC] or raced in a weekend. Also, the jump from F3 to F1 would be significant, although not impossible.
Read more F1: Process puts finances of group owning the Cadillac team under investigation
