Red Bull has big decision ahead with this driver knocking on the door
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated: 20:40, 10 Sep
0 Comments
Shanna is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog, specializing in both F1 and endurance and GT racing. With a Master’s degree in Journalism and experience at international circuits, she provides in-depth, reliable coverage and insights based on her presence at Grands Prix and racing events worldwide.
Formula 2 championship leader and Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov completed his first F1 test ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, following the constant praise he has received for his progress and performances. The Bulgarian explains what has been discussed in recent weeks since that test, with an eye on securing a seat in the top class in 2027.
At the end of August, Tsolov drove a Racing Bulls Formula 1 car for the first time at Imola. He completed 690 kilometres during the TPC (Testing Previous Cars) event and felt well prepared thanks to his detailed simulator sessions. For Tsolov, it was a dream come true and a day he has been working toward his whole life.
The test comes after Racing Bulls team boss Alan Permane also praised the youngster back in July. According to the British team boss, Tsolov is the 'next in line' when it comes to a promotion to F1.
GPblog asked Tsolov whether he also thinks he is ready to make that step. "I think I do, definitely if that opportunity comes," Tsolov said in a roundtable interview.
"My full focus is still on Formula 2. I have to finish the season, so I’m taking it race by race and day by day," he continues.
ADVERTISEMENT
He currently leads the championship by eleven points, and the goal is of course to clinch the F2 title at the end of the year. That’s where his full focus lies.
"I really think that’s the best thing I can do, also for myself. There haven't been further things discussed. I'm sure that if I keep doing well, obviously the team is going to do what's best for me. So I have full trust in Red Bull to take the right decision."
Nikola Tsolov feels ready for a step up to Formula 1 when the time is right - Photo: Red Bull Contentpool
Tsolov felt confident in F1 car
As the 19-year-old already indicated, he would certainly feel ready to make the step up to Formula 1. During the test at Imola, he felt confident and at home behind the wheel of the car.
ADVERTISEMENT
"There were so many things going, and obviously you want to perform well, but at the same time you also don’t want to crash, and at the same time you want to enjoy it. So it was a mix of emotions," Tsolov laughed when GPblog asked what was going through his mind during the test.
"I'd say as soon as I did like a few laps on my first outing, I started to feel more and more relaxed and just relieved that I've been able to kind of live my dream at that moment. I was pretty confident straight onward because the sim is just so, so realistic to what I experienced in real life. I had done three or four sessions in the simulator beforehand. So I had already driven quite a lot on that track. It was all matching what I've been practicing."
Nikola Tsolov experienced the test day of his dreams at Imola - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Tsolov impresses at Racing Bulls
Racing Bulls’ 2027 line-up has not yet been set. It appears that Tsolov has a shot at a seat with Red Bull’s sister team next year. However, Permane did not want to specify a season in which Tsolov could move up to Formula 1.
ADVERTISEMENT
"He’s doing incredibly well. He’s leading the championship now, after his great weekend at Silverstone," Permane said in July.
"So saying he’s on our radar would actually be an understatement. I think it’s fair to say he’s the next in line. When that will be, I honestly don’t know," the Racing Bulls team principal said. GPblog has learned that the most likely scenario at the moment is that Tsolov would be Racing Bulls' test and reserve driver next year. Reportedly, the team is leaning towards keeping Lawson and Lindblad as its driver line-up for the 2027 season as well.
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on GoogleRead more about:
latest news
Spanish Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 11.09.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 12.09.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 13.09.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 11.09.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 12.09.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 13.09.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
Times are in your local timezone
Rumors
Popular on GPBlog
1
F1 Today | Robin Raikkonen enters Red Bull ranks as Verstappen confirms Mercedes and McLaren talks
1902 times read
2
Verstappen hits the wall twice during his opening laps at the Madring
1549 times read
3
Elkann puts Vasseur 'under observation' as Italian press questions Ferrari's leadership after Monza
852 times read
4
Severe crash for Leclerc: key health update and news on damage to his Ferrari
516 times read
F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 267 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 201 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 191 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 171 | |
5 | FerrariFER | 155 | |
6 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 127 | |
7 | McLarenMCL | 116 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 71 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 51 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 41 |
Loading
