Tsolov named reserve driver for Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2027

Nikola Tsolov will be reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2027, with TPC tests and first-practice sessions on his programme after he missed out on a full-time F1 seat.

Racing Bulls has retained Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad for 2027. Tsolov had been a serious candidate to replace Lawson, but will have to wait at least another year for his F1 opportunity. He succeeds Yuki Tsunoda and Ayumu Iwasa in the reserve roles.

Team principal Laurent Mekies said Red Bull was impressed by Tsolov’s development and maturity. He cited Tsolov’s challenge for the F3 championship and his fight for the F2 title in his first full season in that series. Mekies said the team’s priority for 2027 is to give him the experience, tools and support to prepare for a future F1 drive.

Tsolov said he wants to become an F1 driver and sees the reserve role as a chance to prepare for that step. His immediate focus, he said, is to finish the F2 season as strongly as possible.