Racing Bulls Confirm Nikola Tsolov Is 'Next in Line' for F1 Seat

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has confirmed that Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov is the leading candidate for a future seat with the Faenza-based team, though any decision on the 2027 Formula 1 lineup will not come until later this year. The 19-year-old Bulgarian currently sits atop the F2 championship standings, holding a 27-point advantage over Gabriele Mini with eight rounds completed.

Why it matters:

Tsolov's rapid ascent is applying genuine pressure on incumbent Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad. His recent streak of three consecutive feature race victories at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone made him the first driver to accomplish that in F2 since Davide Valsecchi in 2012. Permane admitted that calling the Bulgarian merely "on the radar" would be an understatement, effectively signaling that Tsolov has become the organization's priority for promotion.

The details:

• Persistent rumors suggested Tsolov was already set to replace Lawson next season, but Permane clarified no such decision has been finalized.
• Super Licence: Red Bull has not yet requested Tsolov's FIA Super Licence, indicating his promotion is not yet imminent from a regulatory perspective.
• FP1 Obligations: Ayumu Iwasa continues to deputize in mandatory free practice sessions for Racing Bulls, confirming the team is not currently preparing Tsolov for an immediate step up.

What's next:

The Red Bull family is expected to deliberate on its 2027 driver lineup later in the 2026 season, giving Tsolov a clear window to strengthen his case. Consistent results through the remaining F2 rounds could cement his status as the frontrunner for a seat. For now, Lawson and Lindblad remain secure, but Tsolov's presence adds a new layer of urgency to their campaigns.