November 13, 2026: Bulgarian teenager Nikola Tsolov has been appointed Reserve Driver for Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for the 2027 Formula One season, marking a significant step in his journey towards securing a full-time seat in the sport.

The 19-year-old will take on the dual-team reserve role as part of an extensive development programme designed to prepare him for a potential Formula One race debut. His responsibilities will include simulator work, technical development activities and valuable on-track experience through Free Practice sessions, Testing of Previous Cars (TPC), selected test sessions and tyre testing.

Tsolov’s appointment follows an impressive rise through the junior single-seater ranks since joining the Red Bull Junior Team in 2025. After finishing runner-up in the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship, he has carried that momentum into Formula 2, where he currently occupies second place in the Drivers’ Championship with two rounds remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Tsolov makes history in debut F2 season

The Bulgarian has made a strong impression in his first full Formula 2 campaign, collecting six victories so far, comprising four Feature Race wins and two Sprint Race victories.

His performances have included a record-breaking sequence of three consecutive victories, making him the first driver in Formula 2 history to achieve the feat.

The results have strengthened his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in the Red Bull driver development programme. With the F2 title still within reach, Tsolov will now look to finish the season strongly before beginning his new responsibilities with the Red Bull F1 teams in 2027.

Red Bull backs Tsolov’s Formula One ambitions

Oracle Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Tsolov’s development, highlighting his performances in both Formula 3 and Formula 2, as well as his maturity and willingness to learn.

Mekies said the team had been impressed by the Bulgarian’s ability and determination, particularly his capacity to challenge for championships at successive levels of single-seater racing.

He added that the appointment reflected Red Bull’s confidence in Tsolov’s potential and its commitment to providing him with the experience, tools and support required to prepare for Formula One.

Mekies also stressed that Tsolov’s immediate priority remained the F2 Championship, with the final two rounds providing an opportunity to fight for the title.

Tsolov targets Formula One race seat

Tsolov described the appointment as an exciting opportunity and thanked Red Bull for its support since he joined the junior programme.

The Bulgarian said his ambition was to become a Formula One driver and that the reserve role would provide valuable preparation for the next step in his career.

He also acknowledged that there was still plenty to learn, but said he was determined to make the most of every opportunity and contribute to the team.

The 2027 reserve driver appointment puts Tsolov firmly on the radar as a potential future Formula One race driver. His development programme will give him exposure to the technical and operational demands of an F1 team, while allowing Red Bull to assess his readiness for a future promotion.

For now, however, the 19-year-old’s immediate challenge is to convert his impressive F2 form into a championship-winning campaign before turning his attention to Formula One.