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Investigation Opened Following FP1
The Audi Formula 1 team is under FIA investigation following opening practice at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix. Stewards launched a post-session inquiry into a potential unsafe release involving 18-year-old Audi junior Freddie Slater during his Formula 1 race weekend debut at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Slater Steps in for Bortoleto
Slater took over Gabriel Bortoleto’s R26 for the first hour of practice in Mexico City, marking the next major step in his career after finishing as a close runner-up to Ugo Ugochukwu in the 2026 Formula 3 championship. As a member of the Audi Driver Development Programme, the British racer is also scheduled to drive the car again next weekend in Brazil.
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Driver Reflections and Session Goals
Reflecting on his participation ahead of the session, Slater stated that driving a Formula 1 car during a grand prix weekend fulfilled a childhood ambition. The teenager expressed appreciation for the support and trust shown by the Audi Driver Development Programme, noting that his outings with the Audi Revolut F1 Team provided an opportunity to gain track experience, help the team with its run plan, and gather as many learnings as possible.
Cooling Fan Prompts First Stoppage
The debut session proved complicated for the young driver. Slater finally took to the track with half of the session gone, but his running was promptly interrupted when Audi summoned him back to the garage. A cooling fan had been left inside the sidepod of the R26, an error noted by FIA stewards before being escalated to a formal post-session investigation.
Technical Issue and Late Return
After mechanics removed the cooling fan, Slater ventured back out, but his second run was similarly short. A mechanical issue was detected on the car, prompting the pit wall to instruct him: “Turn the engine off. We will not continue.” Despite the dual disruptions, Slater returned to the circuit late in FP1 and registered a lap time, ending the session in 21st place ahead of Cadillac driver Colton Herta.
Sources: FIA launches Audi investigation after Freddie Slater incident.
