Nikola Tsolov may have missed out on a Formula 1 seat with Racing Bulls, but he has instead been given a seismic task for the 2027 season.
The Bulgarian Formula 2 star was strongly linked with a seat at the Faenza-based squad for next season, having recently made his F1 debut for the team in FP1 in Mexico.
But Liam Lawson’s consistency ensured he will remain in the car next year, with the team opting to retain its current line-up with Arvid Lindblad also signed for 2027.
Tsolov is a highly regarded driver, however, and Red Bull have found a way of keeping him in its ranks by announcing him as its reserve driver for the campaign.
In a slight twist, Tsolov will also act as reserve driver for Racing Bulls, meaning he is on standby for both teams at Grand Prix weekends should he be required by either.
“I’m incredibly happy and grateful to Red Bull for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “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.”
Nikola Tsolov handed ‘best possible preparation’ with Red Bull roles
Tsolov is showing no signs of impatience, and is confident that the joint position he has been signed-up for gives him every chance of securing a full seat when an availability pops up.
“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,” he continued.
“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.”
News of Tsolov’s promotion means that there is now fresh doubt on the future of Yuki Tsunoda, both in the Red Bull setup and F1 in general.
The Japanese driver has been on the sidelines since losing his Red Bull drive to Isack Hadjar, but gave a good account of himself back at Racing Bulls when Lawson replaced Hadjar upon his injury earlier in the summer.
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