F2 championship leader Tsolov completes first F1 test as Red Bull eyes 2027 Racing Bulls seat

Nikola Tsolov completed his first Formula 1 test at Imola on Thursday, covering 690km in a VCARB 02 — Racing Bulls’ 2025 car — as Red Bull begins formally assessing its options for the 2027 Racing Bulls driver line-up. The Bulgarian, who currently leads the Formula 2 championship, took part in the team’s testing of previous cars (TPC) programme.

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane was encouraged by what he saw. “He adapted quickly to the car and showed the composure you want to see from a driver taking on an F1 car for the first time,” Permane said. “The outing is part of the ongoing development plan the team runs for its junior drivers, giving them the tools, the mileage, and the environment to develop.”

Tsolov, who would become the first Bulgarian driver in Formula 1 history, is targeting a graduation from F2 at the end of the season. However, he faces significant competition to earn a seat, with both Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad already part of the Racing Bulls set-up.

“First TPC day in a Formula 1 car done, and I’m super happy with how today went,” Tsolov said. “I still don’t think I’ve fully comprehended what we achieved today, but I enjoyed every lap and hopefully I’ll get the chance to add some more kilometres soon.”

While Tsolov was running at Imola, Lawson was on duty for Red Bull at a Pirelli tyre test at Mugello, days after standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix. Lawson completed 116 laps on Wednesday with a best time of 1m22.297s before handing over to Racing Bulls test and reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa, who posted 117 laps at 1m23.414s on Thursday.

McLaren and Audi also participated in the Mugello tyre test. Oscar Piastri completed 93 laps on Wednesday with a best time of 1m21.358s, while Dutch GP winner Lando Norris posted 115 laps at 1m21.899s. Nico Hülkenberg ran 121 laps for Audi on Thursday, recording a best time of 1m24.012s. The test focused on developing the three hardest tyre compounds in the 2027 range.