The Motorsport Brief | Freddie Slater, the 17-year-old in Audi's F1 Driver Development Programme
About this episode
Freddie Slater, a promising 17-year-old driver in Audi's F1 Driver Development Programme, shares his journey from karting to single-seaters. After a challenging start to the season, he recently celebrated two wins, showcasing his determination and growth. Slater discusses the influence of his family's racing background, his rigorous training regimen, and the importance of learning from setbacks. With aspirations for a successful career in Formula 1, he reflects on the significance of his new partnership with Audi and the excitement of racing in New Zealand's unique motorsport environment.
The highly rated Brit chats with Rusty on the eve of the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands.
He’s been racing in NZ over summer and broke through for a win at the old school Teretonga Park last weekend.
Freddie CV’s is seriously impressive with a swag of karting championship wins including a Junior World Title and an FIA European Championship.
Making the transition to single seaters in recent years and his recording breaking season in Italian F4 that the netted more wins than Kimi Antonelli, who held the previous record.
You’ll get a sense of Slater’s immense inner drive in this conversation, why the timing is right for him to be part of a Development Program with a major manufacturer and the laser focused approach he’s taking to Formula 3 this year.
But first he wants to win a prestigious open wheel crown in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ and he’s right in the hunt!
With a good team around him Freddie seems to be taking all the right steps on the path to Formula One. Respectful of those who’ve come before him but very much his own man.
This engaging chat will leave you in no doubt that Slater is the right fit for Audi as the German manufacturer gets ready to grid up in Formula 1.
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go-karting
"...the first time you you know got a go-kart was when you're about five years of age..."
Go-karting is racing small cars called go-karts. Many professional drivers start with go-karts before moving to bigger cars.
Go-karting is a form of motorsport where participants race small, open-wheel vehicles called go-karts. It's often the first step for many drivers before they progress to larger racing series.
Porsche
"...my dad's got a bit of racing maybe around Porsches and stuff..."
Porsche is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes fast and luxury cars, like the famous 911 sports car.
Porsche is a German automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. The brand is famous for models like the 911 and the Cayenne.
New Zealand Grand Prix
"this at Highlands Motorsport Park on the weekend of the New Zealand Grand Prix and we're pretty proud of that race in this part of the world I think you know"
The New Zealand Grand Prix is a car race held in New Zealand. It's special because it's recognized as a Grand Prix even though it isn't part of the Formula 1 series, which is the most famous racing series in the world.
The New Zealand Grand Prix is a notable motor racing event that takes place in New Zealand, recognized for its unique status among global racing events. It is one of the few Grand Prix races that is not part of the Formula 1 calendar but still holds significant prestige.
Highlands Motorsport Park
"this at Highlands Motorsport Park on the weekend of the New Zealand Grand Prix and we're pretty proud of that race in this part of the world I think you know"
Highlands Motorsport Park is a racing track in New Zealand where car races take place. It's known for its beautiful scenery and exciting track design.
Highlands Motorsport Park is a renowned motorsport facility in New Zealand, known for its challenging track layout and scenic surroundings. It hosts various racing events and is popular among motorsport enthusiasts.
Formula 1
"only two GPs in the world that isn't Formula 1 but is allowed to carry that status what would that mean for you to try and chase that this weekend"
Formula 1 is a top-level car racing series where the fastest cars compete in races called Grands Prix. It's known for its exciting races and advanced car technology.
Formula 1 is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, recognized globally for its high-speed races and advanced technology. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
CTFrop title
"you're also in the hunt for the the CTFrop title here aren't you yeah it's two goals this weekend to win the championship hopefully and then win the main race"
The CTFrop title is a championship award in a racing series. Drivers aim to win this title as it shows they are among the best in that competition.
The CTFrop title refers to a championship title in a specific racing series, highlighting the competitive nature of motorsport. Winning such titles is a significant achievement for drivers and teams.
BMW M2
"...M2 Competition have a rich heritage in this in this game and you've talked about the seesaw..."
The BMW M2 Competition is a sporty car designed for performance. It has a powerful engine and is built for driving enthusiasts who enjoy speed and handling.
The BMW M2 Competition is a high-performance variant of the M2, known for its powerful engine and dynamic handling. It features a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that delivers impressive performance on both the road and track.
Formula One
"...developing myself into an up-and-coming Formula One driver I guess so now was the right time..."
Formula One is a top-level racing series where specially designed cars compete in races called Grands Prix. It's known for its speed, technology, and global fanbase.
Formula One is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars. It is governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
Audi
"...to see someone like Alan McNish endorsing that naturally he's a part of the Audi framework and family..."
Audi is a car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are known for their quality and innovative technology.
Audi is a German automobile manufacturer that designs, engineers, produces, markets, and distributes luxury vehicles. It is known for its advanced technology and performance-oriented vehicles.
Alan McNish
"...to see someone like Alan McNish endorsing that naturally he's a part of the Audi framework and family..."
Alan McNish is a former racing driver from Scotland who raced in Formula One and other competitions. He now works in motorsport as a commentator and team manager.
Alan McNish is a retired Scottish racing driver who has competed in various racing series, including Formula One and endurance racing. He is known for his successful career and is involved in motorsport as a commentator and team manager.
world rally super touring sports cars
"...themselves to world rally super touring sports cars especially I mean you're joining..."
These are special types of cars built for rally racing, which involves driving fast on different surfaces like dirt and snow.
World Rally Super Touring Sports Cars refer to a category of vehicles designed for competitive rally racing, emphasizing performance and handling on various terrains.
Formula 3
"Melbourne I work at Albert Park every year big year coming up in Formula 3... especially for the Audi thing of the first race on track but for me it's the first round of the championship and it needs to start well so"
Formula 3 is a type of car racing that helps young drivers learn and improve their skills before moving on to faster and more powerful racing series like Formula 1. The cars are designed to be simpler and less expensive than F1 cars.
Formula 3 (F3) is a class of open-wheel motorsport that serves as a stepping stone for drivers aspiring to reach higher levels of racing, such as Formula 1. It features single-seater cars that are less powerful than those in Formula 1, making it a crucial training ground for young drivers.
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