Nikola Tsolov to Join Red Bull and Racing Bulls as Reserve Driver in 2027

Nikola Tsolov Named Red Bull and Racing Bulls Reserve Driver

Red Bull and Racing Bulls have confirmed that Formula 2 racer Nikola Tsolov will serve as their shared reserve driver during the 2027 season. The Bulgarian driver will support both the Faenza-based Racing Bulls team and its senior Red Bull outfit while continuing his development within the Red Bull Junior Team.

The announcement comes after confirmation that Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will continue as Racing Bulls’ driver pairing for another year. That decision ends speculation that Tsolov could move directly into a full-time Formula 1 seat in 2027.

As reserve driver, Tsolov will remain on standby to race if required, contribute to car development through simulator work, and take part in additional first practice sessions. He is also expected to receive further opportunities in Testing of Previous Cars, having already impressed during his first FP1 outing in Mexico City.

Tsolov Continues Rapid Progress Through Red Bull’s Junior Pathway

Tsolov’s appointment follows a rapid rise through the junior categories. He finished runner-up in the 2025 Formula 3 championship before moving up to Formula 2, where he remains in contention for the title with two rounds still to be completed.

Tsolov said:

“I’m incredibly happy and grateful to Red Bull for giving me this opportunity. 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.

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“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.

“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.”

Laurent Mekies Backs Tsolov’s Formula 1 Potential

Red Bull CEO and Team Principal Laurent Mekies said the organization had been impressed not only by Tsolov’s results but also by his maturity and approach to development. Mekies pointed to Tsolov’s fight for the Formula 3 championship and his challenge for the Formula 2 title in his first full season in the category as evidence of his ability and determination.

Laurent Mekies added:

“Nikola is an exceptionally talented young driver, and we have been hugely impressed by his development and performances over the past few years.

“To fight for the Championship in F3 and now challenge for the F2 title in his first full season says a great deal about his ability and determination. What has impressed us just as much is his maturity, his approach to racing and his willingness to keep learning and improving.

“We have enormous belief in Nikola’s potential and see him as a driver with a very exciting future in F1. This appointment reflects our confidence in him and our commitment to his continued development. Our focus in 2027 will be on giving him the experience, tools and support he needs to be ready to race in F1 next.

“For now, Nikola still has an important job to finish in F2. We wish him every success in the final two rounds and will be supporting him all the way as he fights for the Championship.”

Why This Matters

Tsolov’s reserve role gives Red Bull and Racing Bulls a structured way to continue preparing a highly rated junior driver without changing Racing Bulls’ confirmed 2027 race line-up. The position will provide Tsolov with practical experience through simulator work, FP1 appearances and TPC running while keeping him connected to both teams.

For Tsolov, the appointment creates a defined pathway toward a potential Formula 1 race seat. His immediate priority remains the final two rounds of the current Formula 2 season, where he is still competing for the championship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will be Red Bull and Racing Bulls’ reserve driver in 2027?

Nikola Tsolov will serve as the shared reserve driver for Red Bull and Racing Bulls during the 2027 season.

Will Nikola Tsolov race full-time for Racing Bulls in 2027?

No. Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will continue to form Racing Bulls’ driver line-up, while Tsolov will remain in a reserve role.

What will Tsolov do as reserve driver?

Tsolov will be available to race if needed, support simulator-based car development, and receive further opportunities in FP1 sessions and Testing of Previous Cars.