Stratford’s Freddie Slater described his first experience of driving a Formula 1 car at a Grand Prix weekend as a special day, despite a frustrating interruption to his debut in Mexico.

The 18-year-old took part in first practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix on Friday, getting behind the wheel of Audi's R26 in place of regular driver Gabriel Bortoleto.

However, his introduction to F1 machinery was not entirely straightforward after a cooling fan was inadvertently left attached to the intake of the car's right radiator when it was released from the garage.

The problem prompted Audi to bring Slater back into the pits while the team dealt with the issue, restricting his valuable track time.

Audi was subsequently fined €7,500 by the FIA for releasing the car in an unsafe condition.

Slater eventually returned to the circuit but completed just 14 laps, recording a best time of 1min 20.945sec.

That left him 21st in the 22-driver session, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc setting the fastest time in 1min 18.128sec.

Despite the disruption, Slater was pleased to have taken another important step in his career.

He said: "It was such a special day for me to finally get my first taste of the R26, and I am very grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity. It is something I have been dreaming about since I was four or five years old; overall, it was an incredible experience and one I will take a lot from.

Slater is part of Audi's Driver Development Programme and has enjoyed an impressive rise through the junior ranks.

He finished runner-up in this year's FIA Formula 3 Championship with Trident Motorsport, recording eight podium finishes, three pole positions and a feature race victory.

The teenager will step up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next season as he continues his progression towards the sport's top level.

Friday's appearance was the first of two planned practice outings for Audi, with Slater due to return to the car for first practice at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil on November 6.