GB3 Championship race winner Freddie Slater will step up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2027 with multiple champions Invicta Racing.
Slater, who recently finished as runner-up in the FIA F3 Championship, is the first driver to be confirmed in next year's F2 field.
The British driver made his GB3 debut with a one-off appearance with Rodin Motorsport at Donington Park in 2024, and then starred across three events with Hillspeed last year. He was a double winner at that year's season opener at Silverstone, and then won again at Spa-Francorchamps, after a stirring drive from 23rd and last on the grid.
He graduated into F3 at the start of this year, and let much of the season, as well as being signed up to the Audi Driver Development Programme.
“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.”
Slater continues to benefit from Audi's backing, with Allan McNish firmly believing in his talent.
“The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver" McNish said.
"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.”