Red Bull sees potential in two F1 talents, but the deals are not finalized yet

Ugochukwu and Naël are currently making waves in Formula 3, where both compete for Campos Racing. The American currently leads the championship, while his French teammate sits third in the standings.

Campos therefore sees the duo as the ideal candidates to move up to its Formula 2 team, which currently fields Nikola Tsolov and Noel León.

Tsolov has already won six races this season and has a strong chance of winning the Formula 2 title, which would prevent him from remaining in the championship in 2027. Even if he misses out on the title, a move to Formula 1 could still await him, perhaps not as a full-time driver, but in a test and reserve role with Racing Bulls.

If Tsolov leaves F2 behind, Red Bull will have no talents left in the series. That may explain why the Austrians are seriously considering supporting Ugochukwu and Naël once they are promoted.

In practice, Campos could also receive backing from Red Bull, with the aforementioned drivers taking its F2 seats. GPblog also understands that a deal with Red Bull is not (fully) finalized and there is no contract signed (yet).

A partnership between Ugochukwu and Red Bull would be noteworthy in any case. The talented American was part of the McLaren junior programme for several years before being dropped at the start of 2026. Naël, meanwhile, has never been affiliated with a Formula 1 team, although he has tested for Mahindra in Formula E.

Whether Ugochukwu and Naël have what it takes to become Formula 1 drivers one day remains the big question. Experts rate the American highly, but his first Formula 3 season ended in disappointment. Naël enjoyed a stronger rookie campaign in Formula 3, but this year he trails Ugochukwu by a considerable margin.

On the other hand, Red Bull can hardly go wrong with the pair. The Austrian outfit is known for regularly bringing young drivers into its programme and, if they fail to make sufficient progress, just as quickly letting them go.