Red Bull has given Nikola Tsolov his first Formula 1 test as it evaluates its options for the 2027 Racing Bulls driver line-up.
The current Formula 2 championship leader completed 690 kilometres in a VCARB 02, Racing Bulls’ 2025 F1 car, at Imola on Thursday. The session was part of the team’s testing of previous cars (TPC) programme and gave Red Bull its first opportunity to assess Tsolov in a grand prix car.
Tsolov makes first F1 test appearance
“Today was a really positive step for Nikola,” Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane said. “He adapted quickly to the car and showed the composure you want to see from a driver taking on an F1 car for the first time.
“The outing is part of the ongoing development plan the team runs for its junior drivers, giving them the tools, the mileage, and the environment to develop. We’ve seen time and again what this pathway can produce, and it’s days like today that are part of how we keep building it.”
Tsolov is aiming to become the first Bulgarian Formula 1 driver and graduate from Formula 2 over the winter. However, he faces strong competition to replace either Liam Lawson or Arvid Lindblad in the Racing Bulls line-up.
“First TPC day in a Formula 1 car done, and I’m super happy with how today went,” Tsolov said. “I really enjoyed every lap and it’s difficult to put into words what it means to finally get this opportunity.
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
“A massive thank you to VCARB and the Red Bull Junior Team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. It’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life, so to finally experience it is pretty incredible.
“I still don’t think I’ve fully comprehended what we achieved today, but I enjoyed every lap and hopefully I’ll get the chance to add some more kilometres soon.”
Lawson and Iwasa complete Red Bull tyre test
Earlier this week, Lawson returned to action for Red Bull at a Pirelli tyre test after standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Lawson drove for Red Bull on Wednesday before handing over to reigning Super Formula champion and Racing Bulls test and reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa on Thursday. The New Zealander completed 116 laps with a best lap time of 1m22.297s, while Iwasa completed 117 laps with a best lap time of 1m23.414s.
Audi and McLaren joined Red Bull at the Pirelli test at the venue of the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix. McLaren ran on both Wednesday and Thursday, while Audi participated only on Thursday.
Oscar Piastri completed 93 laps with a best time of 1m21.358s on Wednesday, while Dutch Grand Prix winner Lando Norris posted 115 laps with a best time of 1m21.899s. Nico Hulkenberg completed 121 laps for Audi on Thursday, setting a best lap time of 1m24.012s.
The Pirelli tyre test focused on developing the three hardest compounds in the 2027 range.
Source: www.motorsport.com
