Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov named Red Bull reserve for 2027 F1 season
Nineteen-year-old Bulgarian racer Nikola Tsolov will be the official reserve driver for Red Bull and Racing Bulls in the 2027 Formula 1 season. He is currently second in the Formula 2 standings.
Bulgarian racing driver Nikola Tsolov has been appointed official reserve driver for the Red Bull and Racing Bulls teams for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Formula 1 is the top level of single-seater racing, and Racing Bulls is a team linked to Red Bull. The announcement followed confirmation that Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will again drive for Racing Bulls next year.
Strong debut season in F2
Tsolov, 19, is competing in his first Formula 2 season, one of the steps on the road to F1. So far he has won six races, four of them main races. With two rounds left, he is second in the overall standings, seven points behind leader Rafael Camara.
Development programme
Next year Tsolov will follow an extensive development programme. It includes simulator work, participation in first free practice sessions, tests with previous-year cars (TPC) and Pirelli tyre tests.
"Nikola is an exceptionally talented young driver, and we have been impressed by his development and performance over recent years," said Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies. "Fighting for the title in F3 and now fighting for the F2 title in his first full season says a lot about his ability and determination."
Earlier achievements
Tsolov made his single-seater debut in 2022 and became Spanish F4 champion in his first season. In 2025, in his third attempt at the F3 championship, he finished second and won two races during the season.
After his appointment, Tsolov said: "I am incredibly happy and grateful to Red Bull for this opportunity. My ambitions are clear: I want to become an F1 driver. The chance to spend next year preparing for this next step is incredibly exciting."
