Here's the thing about fast tracks and young talent: sometimes a driver just explodes onto the scene, and that is precisely what Nikola Tsolov has done. The 19-year-old Bulgarian will serve as the reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls in the 2027 Formula 1 season.
That promotion comes straight off the back of a stunning first full campaign in Formula 2. With just two rounds remaining in Lusail and Yas Marina, Tsolov sits second in the Drivers’ Championship after stacking up six victories. It is a remarkable trajectory for a talent who joined the Red Bull Junior Program in 2025 and finished second in the FIA Formula 3 Championship that same year.
He has already gotten his hands dirty in top-tier machinery. Back in August, he tasted Formula 1 for the first time by driving for Racing Bulls at Imola, before stepping into the opening practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Alongside his new reserve duties, the team has mapped out a heavy development programme for him. Tsolov will tackle simulator work, Testing of Previous Cars (TPC), selected test sessions, tyre testing, and further Free Practice outings.
Reflecting on the milestone, Tsolov made his ultimate target crystal clear. “My ambition is clear: I want to become an F1 driver,” he said, expressing gratitude to the outfit for their unwavering support since he joined the junior ranks.
Oracle Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Laurent Mekies echoed that high praise, pointing to the driver's maturity, relentless work ethic, and impressive championship fights in both F3 and F2. For now, though, the machine still has unfinished business. Tsolov's immediate focus remains locked on closing out the current F2 season as strongly as possible over the final two rounds.
F2
