Freddie Slater makes first Formula 1 practice appearances for Audi

British teenager Freddie Slater made his debut in free practice sessions at the Mexican and Sao Paulo Grand Prix, driving for Audi. The 18-year-old, who grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and was educated in Bromsgrove, was the first driver signed to Audi's driver development programme after finishing runner up in the Formula 3 Championship this season.

Slater described the experience as "surreal", saying that reaching around 350kph into turn one at Mexico was unlike anything he had done before. Both of his outings were cut short by mechanical problems, which the BBC notes are not uncommon in practice sessions as drivers and teams learn the track.

He said he had not expected the opportunity to come so early and that he had waited his whole life for it.