Tsolov lands Red Bull reserve role for 2027 after F1 race seat falls through

Nikola Tsolov has been appointed reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls for the 2027 Formula 1 season after missing out on a full-time race seat.

The 19-year-old Bulgarian had been widely tipped to move up from F2 and take over from Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls next season, but after weeks of speculation the Faenza-based team ended the rumours by confirming that the New Zealander would stay on alongside Arvid Lindblad.

Tsolov has impressed during his first full campaign in F2, winning six times — four of them in feature races — and becoming the first driver in the championship’s history to win three races in a row.

His new role will combine reserve and development duties with the possibility of stepping in as a substitute in an emergency, the way Yuki Tsunoda did at Racing Bulls when Lawson was promoted to Red Bull to stand in for the injured Isack Hadjar. Alongside that, Tsolov will take part in an extensive programme mixing simulator work with track time through FP1 outings, TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) runs and Pirelli tyre tests.

“Nikola is an exceptionally talented young driver, and we have been hugely impressed by his development and performances over the past few years,” said Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies.

“Fighting for the championship in F3 and then challenging for the F2 title in his first full season says a great deal about his ability and his determination. What has impressed us just as much is his maturity, his approach to racing and his willingness to keep learning and improving.

“We have enormous belief in Nikola’s potential and see him as a driver with a very exciting future in Formula 1.

Nikola Tsolov, Campos Racing

Photo by: James Sutton / Formula 1 / Formula Motorsport Ltd via Getty Images

“This appointment reflects our confidence in him and our commitment to his continued development. Our focus in 2027 will be on giving him the experience, tools and support he needs to be ready to race in Formula 1.

“For now, Nikola still has an important job to finish in F2. We wish him every success in the final two rounds and will be supporting him all the way as he fights for the title.”

Tsolov currently sits second in the F2 standings, seven points behind leader Rafael Câmara with two rounds left, although the Brazilian may yet miss those events. Having stepped up to make his F1 debut at Interlagos following Esteban Ocon’s departure, Câmara is still deciding his plans with Haas, the team he will race for next season.

“I’m incredibly happy and grateful to Red Bull for giving me this opportunity,” Tsolov added. “Since joining the junior team, I’ve received amazing support and have developed so much, both as a driver and as a person. My career has progressed incredibly quickly, and I owe a lot to everyone who has believed in me and helped me get to this point.

“My ambition is clear: I want to become a Formula 1 driver. Having the opportunity to spend next year preparing for that step is incredibly exciting. I’m confident that with the team’s support and experience, I’ll have the best possible preparation to make sure I’m fully ready to join the F1 grid when the time comes.

“I know there is still a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work hard, make the most of every opportunity and give everything I have to the Team. For now, my immediate focus is on finishing the F2 season as strongly as possible.”

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