Red Bull appoints Tsolov as reserve driver for Racing Bulls and F1 team

Although Nikola Tsolov failed to secure a Formula 1 drive with Racing Bulls, he has been assigned a significant role for the 2027 campaign.

The Bulgarian Formula 2 driver was heavily rumored to join the Faenza-based team for the upcoming year after recently making his F1 appearance for them during FP1 in Mexico.

However, Liam Lawson’s steady performance secured his place in the cockpit for next year, leading the team to keep its existing lineup with Arvid Lindblad also joining for 2027.

Tsolov is a well-respected driver, and Red Bull has retained him by naming him their reserve driver for the season.

Uniquely, Tsolov will serve as reserve driver for Racing Bulls as well, keeping him on standby for both squads during Grand Prix weekends if either team needs him.

“I’m incredibly happy and grateful to Red Bull for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “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 an F1 driver. Having the opportunity to spend next year preparing for that next step is incredibly exciting.”

Nikola Tsolov has been handed a major opportunity by Red Bull and Racing Bulls

Nikola Tsolov handed ‘best possible preparation’ with Red Bull roles

Tsolov displays no impatience and believes the dual role he has accepted offers a strong pathway to a full-time seat whenever an opening arises.

“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 take the next step onto the F1 grid when the time comes,” he continued.

“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.”

Tsolov’s promotion introduces new uncertainty regarding Yuki Tsunoda’s future, both within the Red Bull structure and in F1 overall.

The Japanese driver has been out of action since losing his Red Bull seat to Isack Hadjar, but performed well at Racing Bulls when Lawson substituted for Hadjar after his summer injury.

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