Audi reaches final decision over its 2027 F1 driver line-up
Photo: Racepictures
Updated: 13:21, 24 Sep
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Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Audi CEO and Team Principal Mattia Binotto confirmed during the press conference in Baku that Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg will remain part of Audi’s driver line-up next season.
Speaking at the press conference in Baku, Binotto explained that Audi had no reason to discuss any changes to its driver line-up for next season, given that both Bortoleto and Hulkenberg were already under contract. He also made clear that the team is satisfied with the pace of both drivers and confirmed that the current line-up will remain in place.
"We have had no discussion what's the proper plan for the next season. Our drivers were contracted, so we knew that it would have been no change. But on top of that, I think we are happy on the speed of them. So we never announced really what would have been next year because there was no necessity. We have a line-up which is confirmed and on which we are happy with."
Photo: Race Pictures
As for Freddie Slater's plans, the F3 runner-up and first driver to join Audi's Driver Development Programme, Binotto explained that the Briton will have F1 duties in 2027 as part of his development plan, while a future F1 seat will depend on how strongly he continues to progress.
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The Audi Team Principal also praised Slater's development throughout the F3 season, highlighting how he became more consistent with his tyre management and gained valuable experience as the year progressed.
"Certainly Fred is part of our driver development programme. High potential. He's doing well. Just finished second in the championship. He was leading the championship before the last weekend in Madrid. Now finishing second, I think we discussed that with him.
"F1 duties (for 2027), yes, because that's part of the development plan. F1 seat in the future, that will depend on how strong he will continue developing. But when you've got a driver in your academy, somehow the plans are for him soon or late to be in your F1 seat.
"So, again, happy with him the way he has progressed. If you look at his F3 season, since the start where maybe he was abusing a bit too much on the tyres, he has become more balanced, managing better, getting experience, and finishing very strong this season."
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