Nikola Tsolov gained new momentum in the race for a spot in Formula 1 after completing his first test with a car from the category. The leader of Formula 2 now awaits the next steps from Red Bull Racing to define his future in 2027.
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At the end of August, the nineteen-year-old Bulgarian driver drove a Racing Bulls car in Imola during a TPC activity (test with previous cars), completing 690 km. The experience came after praise from the team principal, Alan Permane, who in July described Tsolov as the ‘next in line’ for a promotion to F1.
Asked by GPblog if he believes he is ready to take this step, Tsolov was straightforward: “I think so, definitely, if this opportunity arises,” he said. Despite this, the driver emphasized that his priority at the moment is to win the title in Formula 2, a championship in which he leads by eleven points.
“My full focus is still on Formula 2. I have to finish the season, so I’m taking it race by race and day by day,” he said, continuing that he trusts the decision that will be made by Red Bull: “If I keep doing well, obviously the team will do what’s best for me. So I have full confidence in Red Bull to make the right decision,” he added.
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The test in Imola reinforced the young driver’s confidence. After a few laps, Tsolov said he became increasingly relaxed as he realized that the simulator preparation matched the behavior of the real car. Before the activity, he had completed three or four sessions in the simulator.
Although the Racing Bulls driver lineup for 2027 is not yet defined, many in the category’s paddock point out that Tsolov has chances to join the team. However, the most likely scenario currently is that he will be a test and reserve driver next year, while Racing Bulls would be inclined to keep Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad as main drivers.
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