Sports · Motorsport · 1 hr ago
Nikola Tsolov named reserve driver for both Red Bull F1 teams in 2027
Red Bull has named Nikola Tsolov reserve driver for both its Formula 1 teams in 2027.
The Bulgarian driver missed out on a Racing Bulls race seat after Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad were given extensions for next season.
Tsolov will get simulator work, testing and practice sessions as part of a programme designed to prepare him to race in Formula 1.
He is currently challenging for the Formula 2 title, with six wins and two rounds remaining.
Red Bull says it sees strong potential in Tsolov and is committing to his development.
The reserve role gives him more experience, but the team has not said when he might get a race seat.
Nikola Tsolov has been named reserve driver for Red Bull and Racing Bulls for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
The 19-year-old Bulgarian missed out on a full-time seat after Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad were retained by Racing Bulls.
Tsolov will combine reserve duties with simulator work, development activities and track experience, including practice sessions, testing and tyre tests.
He is challenging for the Formula 2 title, with six race wins and two rounds remaining.
Red Bull says the programme is intended to prepare him for a future Formula 1 race seat.
- Who
- Nikola Tsolov, a 19-year-old Bulgarian driver.
- What
- He was named reserve driver for Red Bull and Racing Bulls for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
- When
- For the 2027 season; the appointment was announced on November 12, 2026.
- Where
- Red Bull and Racing Bulls; the teams’ locations are not stated.
- Why
- Red Bull says the role will develop Tsolov and prepare him to race in Formula 1.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tsolov completed a Testing of Previous Cars run at Imola.
Tsolov drove for Racing Bulls in a first-practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Red Bull announced Tsolov as reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2027.
- Teams
- Red Bull and Racing Bulls
- Season
- 2027 Formula 1 season
- Age and nationality
- 19-year-old Bulgarian
- Formula 2 wins
- Six
- Remaining F2 rounds
- Two
- F2 standings
- Second, seven points behind Rafael Camara
4 sources
What people are saying
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.
My ambition is clear: I want to become an F1 driver.
We’re trying to apply a little bit of science and that takes some time.