'Red Bull also has a good problem on its hands' amid Verstappen rumors

After claiming three consecutive victories, Tsolov now leads the Formula 2 drivers' standings. His performances have caught the attention of many, including Coulthard, who believes the Bulgarian talent is next in line for promotion to Formula 1 through the Red Bull junior programme, which has produced drivers such as Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly.

Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, the former McLaren and Red Bull driver explained: "It's a good problem to have. I guess there's always a possibility if they're happy with the others, they could help position him somewhere else."

He continued: "Red Bull is ahead of the game in terms of their motorsports investment and drivers over the history of time, if you look at what they've invested and now what the valuations are. I don't think they're thinking 'we're getting to the limit of what we can afford to invest in this'."

Coulthard is also clear in his verdict: Tsolov needs to arrive to F1. "It's a good problem to have. Listen for that name, Nikola Tsolov from Bulgaria. He drives very well, is great personality out of the car, so looking forward to seeing him in F1."

Meanwhile, the Racing Bulls drivers have performed well so far in the 2026 season. Liam Lawson has scored points in each of the last five races, while he and Arvid Lindblad have consistently reached Q3. They currently sit 10th and 11th in the drivers' standings, behind only the drivers from the frontrunning teams and Monaco Grand Prix podium finisher Gasly.

Max Verstappen's switch to McLaren is not entirely ruled out, but it does not appear likely in the short term. The odds are greater that the Dutchman will stay with Red Bull Racing, or (temporarily) put his Formula 1 career on hold after this season, GPblog understands after numerous conversations.