Daily News 19

Tag: FIA F2

  • Audi F1 Junior Freddie Slater Secures F2 Deal for 2027 Season

    Audi F1 Junior Freddie Slater Secures F2 Deal for 2027 Season

    Key Highlights

    • Formula 3 runner-up and Audi F1 junior Freddie Slater will join Invicta Racing for the 2027 Formula 2 season.
    • The 18-year-old Briton secured the 2024 Italian F4 and 2025 Formula Regional European titles before a strong rookie F3 campaign with Trident in 2026, claiming eight podiums and a victory in Hungary.
    • Slater follows the proven Trident-to-Invicta pipeline that produced back-to-back F2 rookie champions Gabriel Bortoleto and Leonardo Fornaroli, with Rafael Camara currently challenging for the 2026 F2 title.

    Slater Secures 2027 F2 Seat with Invicta Racing

    Formula 3 runner-up Freddie Slater has confirmed his graduation to the FIA Formula 2 Championship for the 2027 season, signing with the Norfolk-based Invicta Racing squad. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the 18-year-old British driver, who serves as a junior for the Audi Formula 1 programme and was recruited to spearhead the manufacturer’s new Driver Development Programme in 2026.

    Slater’s ascent has been rapid. After capturing the 2024 Italian F4 Championship and the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine titles, he stepped up to Formula 3 with the Trident team for the 2026 campaign. Despite being classified as a rookie—though he contested two rounds in 2025—Slater immediately demonstrated title credentials, stringing together four consecutive feature-race podiums to seize the championship lead heading into the summer break.

    Strong Rookie Campaign Yields Runner-Up Finish

    A late-season points drought, where Slater accrued just 15 points across the final five rounds, allowed Campos Racing driver Ugo Ugochukwu to overtake him in the standings. Nevertheless, the Briton finished a comfortable second in the final classification, securing eight total podiums including a feature-race victory in Hungary. He topped the rookie standings ahead of second-year driver Tuukka Taponen and fellow debutant Taito Kato.

    “I’m really excited to be stepping up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next year,” Slater said. “I learned a lot in Formula 3 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 Formula 2, 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.”

    Following a Proven Championship Pathway

    Slater’s move replicates a highly successful trajectory established in recent years. The Trident-to-Invicta pipeline has delivered three consecutive Formula 3 champions—Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara—who all transitioned to the Norfolk outfit for their rookie F2 campaigns. Bortoleto and Fornaroli each captured the F2 title in their first attempt, while Camara currently sits a close second in the 2026 standings, keeping the streak alive.

    Audi Driver Development Programme director Allan McNish emphasized the strategic fit. “The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver,” said Audi Driver Development Programme director Allan McNish. “He enjoyed a strong Formula 3 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.”

    Why This Matters

    Slater’s promotion underscores Audi’s long-term investment in young talent ahead of its anticipated Formula 1 entry. By placing their junior in a team with a documented history of developing rookie champions, the German manufacturer maximizes the probability of immediate competitiveness in F2. For Invicta Racing, securing a driver of Slater’s calibre—backed by a major OEM programme—reinforces their status as the premier destination for F3 graduates. The 2027 season will test whether Slater can convert his qualifying pace and racecraft into a title challenge, emulating Bortoleto and Fornaroli, or whether the step up in tyre management and race strategy presents a steeper learning curve.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will Freddie Slater make his Formula 2 debut?

    Freddie Slater will debut in the FIA Formula 2 Championship at the start of the 2027 season with Invicta Racing.

    What championships has Slater won prior to F2?

    Slater won the 2024 Italian F4 Championship and the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine before finishing runner-up in the 2026 Formula 3 Championship.

    How does the Trident-to-Invicta pipeline benefit Slater?

    The last three Formula 3 champions—Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara—won their titles with Trident before moving to Invicta Racing for F2. Bortoleto and Fornaroli both won the F2 championship as rookies, establishing a proven development pathway that Slater now enters.

  • F2 Adds Extra Feature Race to Baku Schedule: Is This a Clue for F1’s Future?

    F2 Adds Extra Feature Race to Baku Schedule: Is This a Clue for F1’s Future?

    Formula 2 Announces Expanded ‘Supersized’ Baku Weekend Amid F1 Calendar Uncertainty

    The Formula 2 championship has confirmed a significantly expanded format for its upcoming round in Baku, adding an extra feature race and qualifying session just 10 days before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend begins. The late decision arrives as the conclusion of the Formula 1 season faces potential disruption due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

    Double-Header Format Confirmed for Azerbaijan

    In a statement released Monday, F2 organizers detailed a unique “supersized” race weekend structure. Unlike the standard format, the Baku event will now feature two qualifying sessions, one sprint race, and two feature races, alongside a single free practice session.

    “As Formula 2 is the only support event at the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix, together with the promoters, we have opted for a supersized F2 race weekend, with one free practice, two qualifying sessions, one sprint race and two feature races,” F2 CEO Bruno Michel confirmed.

    “This is the only weekend where the timetable allows the additional sessions, which will increase the level of entertainment even further for the attending crowd and all our fans. The Baku City Circuit always provides us with amazing racing, so we’re very pleased to make the 12th Round of our season pretty unique.”

    Strategic Move Linked to Potential Calendar Changes

    While organizers did not explicitly state the rationale behind the expansion, the timing strongly suggests a contingency plan. The final two rounds of the 2024 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain uncertain due to the escalating geopolitical situation in the region, raising the possibility of cancellations or venue changes that would cost drivers valuable championship points.

    The FIA and Formula 1 are expected to finalize decisions on the remainder of the calendar before the end of the month. Recent discussions have included the potential cancellation of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds, with a relocated season finale at Imola in late November emerging as a possible alternative. A relocated Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, Malaysia, has already been added for early October.

    “The final two rounds of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will resume with the usual weekend format made of one free practice followed by one qualifying, a sprint race and a feature race,” F2 said in a statement.

    That standard format remains the current plan for the season finale, but the situation remains fluid. The Baku expansion effectively front-loads competition opportunities, ensuring the championship can award a full complement of points even if the Middle Eastern rounds are disrupted.

  • Colton Herta Withdraws From Both Madring F2 Races

    Colton Herta Withdraws From Both Madring F2 Races

    Colton Herta Withdraws from Madrid F2 Rounds After Qualifying Crash

    Colton Herta has withdrawn from both races at the Formula 2 round in Madrid following a heavy qualifying accident on Friday. The Hitech Pulse-Eight driver lost control of his car at Turn 19, sliding into both barriers and sustaining significant damage to the front, rear, and right-hand side of his machinery.

    Driver Cites Feeling Unwell

    Herta subsequently pulled out of Saturday’s sprint race and Sunday’s feature race, reportedly feeling “unwell”. The team offered no comment regarding his potential participation at upcoming championship rounds.

    Difficult Rookie Season Continues

    The former IndyCar race winner switched to F2 this year to pursue his Formula 1 ambitions, securing a Cadillac test and development role. However, the transition has proven challenging. Across 11 rounds, Herta has reached the top 10 in qualifying only once and has accumulated 26 points — 20 of which came during the opening five events.

    His form has deteriorated recently. At Monza, Herta crashed twice in what was arguably his worst weekend of the season. The Madrid incident marks his third accident in his last six F2 sessions.

    Teammate and Countryman Celebrate Success

    While Herta’s weekend ended early, his teammate Ritomo Miyata achieved a career milestone by claiming his maiden F2 victory on Saturday — at the 76th attempt. Meanwhile, fellow American Ugo Ugochukwu secured the 2026 FIA Formula 3 championship title on Sunday.

    Championship Standings Update

    Ferrari junior Dino Beganovic dominated Sunday’s feature race, converting pole position into a commanding win. In the drivers’ standings, Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov leads with 177 points, followed by Ferrari Academy driver Rafael Camara on 170. Alpine’s Gabriele Mini sits third with 153 points, while Alex Dunne rounds out the top four on 139.

  • Colton Herta’s 2026 Season Deteriorates: Two Off-Track Excursions, Mechanical Breakdown at Monza

    Colton Herta’s 2026 Season Deteriorates: Two Off-Track Excursions, Mechanical Breakdown at Monza

    Colton Herta’s Formula 2 campaign has deteriorated significantly, with his weekend at Monza serving as the starkest illustration of his struggles. The former IndyCar frontrunner joined the Cadillac Formula 1 team as a test and development driver for 2026 and moved to F2 to prepare for a potential graduation to the world championship. However, the transition has proven difficult. Lacking experience with Pirelli tires and unfamiliar with the circuits, Herta sits a disappointing 17th in the standings after 10 rounds.

    Qualifying Woes and Practice Crash at Monza

    Over the course of the season, the Hitech GP driver has qualified inside the top 12 only once. Monza marked a new low, with Herta qualifying 20th, more than a second off the pace. The difficulties extended beyond raw speed. During the sole F2 practice session, he crashed after putting two wheels in the gravel at the exit of Lesmo 2, spinning into the inside wall.

    Cadillac FP1 Outing Cut Short by Mechanical Issue

    Herta then participated in Formula 1 FP1 for Cadillac to fulfill the team’s rookie running requirements. His session ended prematurely after just one push lap when the MAC-26 suffered a suspected hydraulic failure. The 20th-place result in F2 qualifying later that day compounded a troubled Friday.

    Herta Feels “More Comfortable” in F1 Machinery

    This was Herta’s third FP1 appearance, and he reported feeling “a lot more” comfortable in the Cadillac. He explained the progression:

    “You know, just kind of having that little bit of knowledge about what the car wants, or what the car needs, how it wants to be driven,” he explained.

    “All these cars have tiny differences that make them click. I’m driving and trying to find that, so having a bit more knowledge of what the car likes to do is a big help, it makes me feel more comfortable.

    When you only have an hour, it seems like, literally when you’re inside the car and everything’s happening, everything’s happening so quick. It seems like you’re in there for five minutes, so you get out and you’re instantly like, ‘Oh I should have done this’ or ‘I should have done that’.

    I think everybody would say if they get a second chance at anything when they’re driving they would do better, and for sure for me it probably would have been a pretty big step.”

    Weekend Ends with Early Feature Race Exit

    Herta recovered to 15th place in Saturday’s sprint race, but his feature race ended on lap 11 after he beached the car in the gravel at the exit of Parabolica while running 21st.

    Championship Hopes Effectively Over

    As a result, Herta remains stuck on 26 points with just one top-12 finish in the last 10 races. He trails championship leader Nikola Tsolov by 151 points with only 156 points available across the final four rounds, effectively eliminating him from title contention. Even a top-10 finish in the standings now appears a tall order, sitting 37 points adrift.

    Uncertain Path to a 2027 F1 Seat

    Regarding his Formula 1 ambitions, Herta remained direct:

    “What I want to do is I want to get to Formula 1 and I want to get there as fast as possible,” Herta said. “How realistic that is, I have yet to be told or know.”

    Given the current trajectory, a 2027 F1 drive looks increasingly unlikely.

    Colton Herta, Hitech GP. Photo by: James Sutton / Formula 1 / Formula Motorsport Ltd via Getty Images