Photo: Audi F1 Team
Freddie Slater has become the first driver to be confirmed for Formula 2 in 2027, when he will compete for Invicta Racing.
This year’s FIA Formula 3 runner up joins team behind the last two F2 drivers’ champions ahead of his rookie year in the category.
Just days after missing out on the F3 championship, Slater has followed in the footsteps of Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Camara as he makes the switch from Trident’s F3 set up to the Invicta yellow for his debut F2 season.
Slater arrives at the British-based outfit as one of the most highly rated drivers below Formula 1.
Prior to his F3 season, Slater boasted championships in the Formula Regional European Championship in 2025, Italian and UAE Formula 4 titles in 2024 and the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2023.
For 2026, Slater become the first driver to join the Audi F1 team’s junior programme as he claimed one race victory and seven podium finishes on his way to finishing second in the F3 standings, missing out on the title by 14 points.
“I’m really excited to be stepping up to F2 with Invicta Racing next year,” Slater said.
“I learned a lot in F3 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 F2, 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.”
Team principal James Robinson echoed his new driver’s thoughts, saying: “We’re delighted to welcome Freddie to Invicta Racing for 2027. To finish runner-up in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in his first season is an outstanding achievement, particularly given the level of competition in the category.
“His results throughout the year, including a victory, three pole positions and eight podiums, underline the pace and consistency he has shown. Freddie has demonstrated that he is ready for the next challenge, and we’re very excited to help him take that next step in F2.”
Allan McNish, director of Audi’s driver development claims Invicta is the “ideal environment” for Slater.
“The move to F2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver,” said McNish.
“He enjoyed a strong F3 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.”