Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane has opened up on a potential furture Formula 1 role for Nikola Tsolov with the team.
The Bulgarian racing driver has emerged as one of the brightest stars on his way up to the pinnacle of motorsport.
After ending up as the runner-up of the F3 Championship, last year, Tsolov has elevated himself into the lead of the F2 standings, this season.
Speaking to media including Motorsport Week, Permane spoke about a potential role for the Red Bull junior driver with the team in the near future.
“He’s doing incredibly well,” he said.
“I think this morning, in practise, he was quickest. He’s now leading the championship, I think, after his great weekend at Silverstone.
“So to say he’s next in line would be an understatement. When that will be, I don’t know, honestly. And definitely, it’s not an untruth.
“So we’re not thinking about him. He’s there. He’s doing his job. We’re doing our job. And we’ll wait when he comes up to race, of course.”
Racing Bulls’ priority that might open up F1 race seat for Nikola Tsolov in 2027
The Faenza-based team’s current line-up of Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad has worked wonders for it.
Nine rounds into 2026, Racing Bulls are just one point from taking P5 away from Alpine, heading into the race weekend at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Naturally, Permane would be eager to retain their services heading into 2027. That said, Permane conceded that he would not stand in the way of either Lawson or Lindblad getting a call up to the senior Red Bull outfit.
If that happens, Tsolov could be one of the drivers to step up from the Red Bull pipe-line.
“I think that’s the goal of both our guys, for sure. And the goal of mine and our team is to develop drivers for that team,” Permane said about a potential chance for either of his drivers to make the move up to Red Bull if Max Verstappen chose to step away.
“I think going to specifics is far more questionable than we’re on. But I think we need to put them both in a position that they’re ready to do that.
“And if and when [we need] another driver, [we’ve got] one or two to choose from.”
With Verstappen’s future set to be decided, reportedly before the summer break, Tsolov will be keeping his eyes peeled on the developments happening within the Milton-Keynes-based outfit.
Discussion about this post