Red Bull junior Tsolov handed maiden F1 outing at Imola

Nikola Tsolov will make his first appearance in a Formula 1 car this week, driving Racing Bulls' 2025 VCARB 02 in a testing of previous cars (TPC) session at Imola on Thursday. The 19-year-old Bulgarian, currently leading the F2 standings, is being groomed for a potential step up to the F1 grid with the Red Bull junior team.

Why it matters:

Tsolov's test comes at a critical time for Racing Bulls, who are evaluating their 2026 driver lineup with three promising juniors competing for just two seats. The team insists this is not a "nice problem" to have, but rather a strategic decision that could shape their competitive future in Formula 1.

The details:

• Tsolov joined the Red Bull junior programme last year after previously being part of Alpine's academy.
• He currently leads the F2 championship, making him a strong contender for a race seat next season.
• However, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad have both impressed this year, with Lawson sitting ninth in the drivers' standings and showing consistent pace in qualifying and races.
• Team principal Alan Permane has previously stated that Tsolov is "next in line" and on the radar for a decision, which will be made later in the campaign.

Speaking to media, including RacingNews365, Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer explained the team's approach:

"Arvid and Liam are both doing a fantastic job; Liam is currently ninth in the drivers' ranking, and he's shown great pace in qualifying and in races," Bayer said. "And the same really goes for Nikola, who's doing a really, really good job in Formula 2. We will actually run him next week in a TPC at Imola, just to continue to help prepare him."

Bayer added that the final decision on the 2026 lineup rests with Permane: "Ultimately, the drivers' lineup for next year is a decision for Alan to make, and so he will do the best thing for the team."

What's next:

The Imola circuit, which dropped off the F1 calendar last year, could return as a late-season substitute for the at-risk Middle Eastern rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Tsolov's test at the Italian venue therefore carries extra significance, giving him valuable track time in a modern F1 car at a circuit that may soon host a grand prix.

With three talented drivers and only two seats, Racing Bulls face a tough choice. The TPC run will help Tsolov continue his development, but the team's focus remains on selecting the best combination for 2026 — a decision that will likely come down to a blend of current performance and long-term potential.