Red Bull and Racing Bulls have confirmed that Formula 2 racer Nikola Tsolov will serve as their shared reserve driver for the 2027 season.
The announcement follows the news that Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will continue to form Racing Bulls’ driver line-up for another year, ending speculation that Tsolov could be promoted to a full-time seat.
Instead, the Bulgarian will join both the Faenza-based outfit and sister team Red Bull in a reserve capacity, which means he will be on standby to race if required, develop the car through simulator work, and get the opportunity to drive in further FP1 sessions – having previously impressed during his first outing in Mexico City – and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC).
The move follows Tsolov’s progression through the junior categories, having finished runner-up in the 2025 Formula 3 championship before stepping up to F2, where he remains in title contention with two rounds remaining.
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.
“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.”
CEO and Red Bull Team Principal 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.”