Red Bull signs new reserve driver for F1 2027 season
Nikola Tsolov (Racing Bulls VCARB03) during FP1 at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix
Red Bull has announced that Nikola Tsolov will act as reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls for the F1 2027 season.
It comes after Racing Bulls announced earlier on Thursday that it will retain its current driver lineup of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad for next season.
Nikola Tsolov to become Red Bull, Racing Bulls reserve driver for F1 2027 season
After finishing second in the 2025 F3 standings, Tsolov had emerged as an option for Racing Bulls during an impressive first full season at Formula 2 level in 2026.
The 19-year-old sits second in the F2 standings with two rounds remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, with the Bulgarian making his first FP1 appearance with Racing Bulls at last month’s Mexican Grand Prix.
Tsolov was classified 12th in FP1 in Mexico, lapping a tenth slower than Lindblad.
Tsolov’s immediate hopes of an F1 promotion ended on Thursday when Racing Bulls confirmed that Lawson will remain with the team for 2027.
Red Bull has now announced that Tsolov will act as reserve driver to both its F1 teams next season, likely with a view to a potential Formula 1 promotion.
In a statement issued to PlanetF1.com, Red Bull confirmed that Tsolov’s 2027 programme – which will include FP1 appearances, tyre testing, simulator work and TPC running – has been “designed to ensure he is fully prepared to race in F1 at the highest level.”
It is unclear whether Tsolov’s promotion to a reserve role will have an impact on the future of Yuki Tsunoda, who has held the position over the course of 2026.
Tsunoda has been linked with a return to racing in the US-based IndyCar Series for 2027, although it is common for F1 teams to employ several test and reserve drivers at once.
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 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.”
Laurent Mekies, the Red Bull Racing team principal, 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.
“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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