Red Bull has confirmed Nikola Tsolov will serve as reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls during the 2027 Formula 1 season. This announcement follows Racing Bulls’ decision to retain Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad for their 2027 driver lineup.
Tsolov, 19, is currently second in the 2026 Formula 2 standings with Campos Racing. He has secured six race victories this season, including a triple win and a double at Silverstone.
The Bulgarian driver joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2025, having previously been part of Alpine’s academy until late 2024. He finished second in the 2025 Formula 3 championship.
Tsolov made his first Formula 1 Free Practice 1 appearance at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix. He was classified 12th, a tenth slower than Lindblad. His 2027 programme includes further FP1 sessions, tyre testing, simulator work, and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) running.
This comprehensive schedule is designed to ensure Tsolov is fully prepared for a potential Formula 1 race seat. He requires 40 Super Licence points to compete in F1, which he is set to achieve by finishing in the top five of the 2026 F2 standings.
The promotion of Tsolov impacts Yuki Tsunoda, who held the reserve driver position for Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2026. Tsunoda lost his full-time race seat at the end of the 2025 season.
He made a temporary return to competitive F1 action in 2026, filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull. Tsunoda also drove for Racing Bulls when Liam Lawson was promoted to Red Bull. He finished 11th at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Tsunoda is linked with a move to the IndyCar Series for the 2027 season. He tested an IndyCar with Meyer Shank Racing at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama on October 26, 2026.
Tsunoda has indicated he would explore other racing series if a full-time F1 seat for 2027 did not materialise. He stated his decision to take a reserve role in 2026 was to remain within the F1 paddock.
Liam Lawson’s retention at Racing Bulls for 2027 concludes weeks of speculation regarding his future. His strong 2026 performances, including a ninth-place standing in the drivers’ championship, were key to securing his seat.
Arvid Lindblad, a rookie in 2026, will continue alongside Lawson. Lindblad has been noted for his rapid progression through junior categories.
“I’m incredibly happy and grateful to Red Bull for giving me this opportunity,” Tsolov stated. “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.”
Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Laurent Mekies commented: “Nikola is an exceptionally talented young driver. 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.”
