Nikola Tsolov has been appointed as reserve driver for Red Bull in the 2027 F1 season.
Tsolov’s new role comes just hours after Racing Bulls opted to retain Liam Lawson alongside Arvid Lindblad.
Tsolov had been heavily linked with Lawson’s race seat in recent months after a stellar F2 campaign, in which he took six wins and sits second with two rounds left of the season, but will now act as reserve for Red Bull in 2027 with selected Free Practice One appearances.
Upon confirmation of his new role, Tsolov revealed that he is pleased to move closer to his F1 dream with the reserve role.
“I’m incredibly happy and grateful to Red Bull for giving me this opportunity. 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. 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.
“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.”
Team Principal, Laurent Mekies added that Tsolov has showcased his potential in F3 and F2 and displayed maturity in improving his racing skills across the last two years, and is confident that he will reach F1 eventually.
“Nikola is an exceptionally talented young driver, and we have been hugely impressed by his development and performances over the past few years. To fight for the Championship in F3 and now challenge for the F2 title in his first full season says a great deal about his ability and 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 F1. 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 F1 next.
“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 Championship.”
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