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Bulgarian F2 champion Nikola Tsolov eyes Red Bull F1 seat for 2027
Nikola Tsolov, the 19‑year‑old Bulgarian who leads the 2026 FIA Formula 2 championship with six victories, is being positioned as Red Bull’s next Formula 1 driver. After finishing runner‑up in the 2025 F3 season, he joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2024 and has since dominated F2, holding a 20‑point lead over his rivals. Team principal Alan Permane has said Tsolov is "next in line" for a seat with Racing Bulls, and a super‑licence test (TPC) is scheduled for the autumn to help him meet the 40‑point requirement for an F1 debut.
Tsolov’s background includes karting success in Bulgaria, support from Fernando Alonso, and a stint in the Alpine academy before moving to Red Bull. Despite a difficult weekend at the Hungarian F2 round, he recovered to score points and remains the championship leader. Red Bull’s driver lineup is unsettled for 2027, with seats at both the main and junior teams up for renewal, making Tsolov’s potential promotion a focal point of the upcoming off‑season.
Entities
Alan Permane · Formula 2 Championship · Nikola Tsolov · Racing Bulls · Red Bull Racing
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] He joined the Red Bull driver academy in 2024 after leaving Alpine’s programme. motorcyclesports.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Red Bull team principal Alan Permane described Tsolov as “next in line” for a 2027 Formula 1 seat. motorcyclesports.net · www.autoracing1.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tsolov was runner‑up in the 2025 Formula 3 championship. motorcyclesports.net
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nikola Tsolov is a 19‑year‑old Bulgarian driver leading the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship. es.motorsport.com · motorcyclesports.net · www.autoracing1.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Red Bull’s driver lineup for 2027 has several seats up for renewal, with contracts expiring at the end of 2026. motorcyclesports.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Tsolov says his priority is winning the Formula 2 championship and he is confident an F1 opportunity will come if he continues to perform. motorcyclesports.net · www.autoracing1.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] No Formula 1 contract has been confirmed for Tsolov as of the latest statements. motorcyclesports.net · www.autoracing1.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] He has six victories in the 2026 Formula 2 season. motorcyclesports.net