Audi F1 prospect Freddie Slater to make Formula E debut in rookie test

Audi Formula 1 development driver Freddie Slater, a 17-year-old British rising star, is set to drive for the Andretti team in the upcoming Formula E rookie test at the Jarama circuit. Slater will take over the Gen3 Evo car normally piloted by Jake Dennis, marking his first experience in an all-electric Formula E machine as he continues his primary campaign in Formula 3 this season.

Why it matters:

This test represents a significant cross-category opportunity for one of motorsport's most highly-touted juniors. For Slater, it's a chance to gain valuable experience in a top-tier electric racing series and expand his skill set under the watchful eye of his Audi F1 mentors. For Andretti and Formula E, it brings fresh attention and highlights the series as a viable testing ground for future F1 talent, moving beyond the traditional pool of Formula 2 drivers.

The details:

• Slater will get a six-hour window of running at the annual rookie test, which is being held at Spain's Jarama circuit instead of its usual Berlin Tempelhof venue.
• Andretti team principal Roger Griffiths stated the selection was driven by a desire to tap into genuine, exciting rookie talent rather than drivers who have been in F2 for multiple seasons, citing the "buzz" around Slater.
• The connection was facilitated by manager Fraser Sheader, who also looks after Andretti driver Jake Dennis and F1 champion Lando Norris. Former Audi Formula E boss and current Audi driver development director Allan McNish has also been closely involved in planning the test.
• Slater's rapid rise includes winning the Italian F4 championship in 2024 and dominating the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) in 2025 with eight wins. He is currently a title favourite in the FIA Formula 3 Championship.
• Navigating the corporate complexities was required, as an Audi-affiliated F1 junior will drive for an Andretti team that competes with a Cadillac powertrain in Formula E. Griffiths and McNish adopted a "common sense approach" to make it happen.
• Andretti's second test seat will be filled by Slater's F3 rival, Louis Sharp, who will drive Felipe Drugovich's Andretti Porsche.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Slater's performance and feedback from the test, with McNish already keen for detailed data. While his primary focus remains on winning the F3 title, a strong showing in Formula E could open future doors and solidify his reputation as a versatile and adaptable future star. The test is a strategic step in his development within the Audi ecosystem, potentially shaping his path long before a potential F1 seat materializes.