Alan Permane, Team Principal of Racing Bulls, has confirmed that Nikola Tsolov is considered the next prospect for a seat in the Racing Bulls Formula 1® team. While no official decision has been made regarding the timing or confirmation of this promotion, Tsolov’s current performance in Formula 2 places him firmly on the team’s radar for the 2027 season.
Tsolov, a driver within the Red Bull Junior Team, leads the Formula 2 championship by 17 points and has secured four Feature Race victories so far. Permane highlighted Tsolov’s pace during the Belgian Grand Prix Free Practice, where he was the quickest driver on track, further underlining his potential readiness for a step up to Formula 1®.
Despite Tsolov’s promising results, Racing Bulls continue to evaluate their driver lineup carefully. Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad remain contracted drivers for the team in 2026, both delivering consistent performances and maintaining a close rivalry within the squad. Racing Bulls currently hold sixth place in the Teams’ Championship, just one point behind Alpine, as they aim to strengthen their position among the midfield contenders.
Permane’s remarks emphasize that while Tsolov is next in line for a Formula 1® seat with Racing Bulls, the team has yet to finalize any decisions about the 2027 driver lineup. The timing of any potential promotion remains uncertain, and it is not clear whether it would depend on the departure of Lawson or Lindblad. The team is balancing the development of its current drivers alongside monitoring the progress of its junior talent.
As the 2026 season progresses, Racing Bulls are focused on closing the gap to their immediate rivals in the Teams’ Championship. The presence of a strong junior driver like Tsolov provides the team with a potential option to strengthen their driver roster in the near future. His performance in Formula 2 and his integration within the Red Bull Junior Team make him a noteworthy candidate for promotion, but the final decision will depend on multiple factors evaluated by the team.
The update from Permane offers a clear indication that Racing Bulls are actively considering their options for 2027, with Tsolov’s name prominent among the prospects. However, the situation remains fluid, and official announcements regarding the driver lineup are expected only once the team has completed its assessments. This cautious approach reflects the competitive environment within the sport and the importance of making well-informed decisions about driver placements.
Overall, the comments underline Racing Bulls’ commitment to nurturing young talent while maintaining a competitive edge in the Formula 1® championship. Tsolov’s progress in Formula 2 and his recognition by the team principal suggest that he could be a significant part of Racing Bulls’ future plans, though the exact timing and circumstances of any promotion remain to be determined.