Nikola Tsolov has secured the reserve driver position for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls for the 2027 Formula 1 season after missing out on a full-time seat. The 19-year-old Bulgarian was previously linked with a promotion from Formula 2 to replace Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls next year, but the Faenza-based squad confirmed that Lawson will remain alongside Arvid Lindblad.
Impressive F2 Campaign Earns Reserve Role
Tsolov has delivered a strong debut full season in F2, securing six victories consisting of four feature race wins and a historic run that made him the first driver in the championship’s history to win three consecutive races. He currently occupies second place in the F2 standings, trailing leader Rafael Camara by seven points with two rounds left in the season.
For the 2027 season, Tsolov will step into a combined reserve and development position. Alongside emergency substitute duties—similar to Yuki Tsunoda’s role at Racing Bulls when Lawson filled in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull—he will participate in an extensive development programme. This will merge simulator work with track time via FP1 sessions, Testing of Previous Car (TPC) outings, and Pirelli tyre testing.
Team and Driver Reactions
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised the young driver’s trajectory, highlighting his championship fights in F3 and F2. Mekies noted that Tsolov’s maturity, racing approach, and dedication have deeply impressed the team, reinforcing their belief in his future within Formula 1. Mekies emphasized that the 2027 appointment is designed to equip Tsolov with the experience and tools required to prepare him for a future F1 race seat, while noting that the team fully supports his ongoing F2 title campaign in the final two rounds.
Expressing his gratitude, Tsolov called the opportunity incredible and credited the Red Bull junior team for their support in his rapid career progression. He stated that his ultimate ambition is reaching the F1 grid and expressed confidence that next year’s preparation will ready him for the step up. Tsolov concluded that despite having much left to learn, his immediate priority remains finishing the current F2 season strongly.
