Nikola Tsolov has been handed a role as Red Bull reserve driver for 2027 after missing out on a race seat at Racing Bulls. The 19-year-old Bulgarian, a contender for the Formula Two title this year, was in the running for a 2027 drive with the junior outfit but lost out when the team decided to stick with Liam Lawson.
Racing Bulls retain Lawson and Lindblad
Racing Bulls considered replacing Lawson, given their status as a feeder team to the main Red Bull squad and their priority to develop new drivers. Tsolov's strong performances in F2 this season, along with his impressive showing in first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix last month, put him in contention for the seat.
In the end, team principal Alan Permane decided to keep Lawson. Earlier on Thursday, it was announced that both Lawson and team-mate Arvid Lindblad have been retained for 2027, ending Tsolov's hopes of an immediate F1 promotion.
Reserve role and testing programme
Red Bull have confirmed that Tsolov will be their new reserve driver next season, while also fulfilling that role for the junior outfit. As reserve, he will be on standby to step in and race if any of Red Bull's drivers across their two teams are unable to for any reason.
Tsolov is also set to benefit from an extensive testing programme, including more appearances in free practice and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) sessions. Red Bull intend to ensure that Tsolov is fully prepared to race in F1 at the highest level.
Team praise and driver ambition
Team principal Laurent Mekies said: "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," he added.
Tsolov said: "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 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," he said. "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."
For now, Tsolov still has an important job to finish in F2, with the final two rounds of the championship remaining.
