F1 2027: Tsolov named Red Bull and Racing Bulls reserve driver

Nikola Tsolov has no race seat in Formula 1 for 2027, but Red Bull is giving him a significant role: the Bulgarian is named reserve and development driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls. The announcement, on 12 November 2026, comes right after Racing Bulls confirmed Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad for 2027.

A twin reserve role

Tsolov's programme combines simulator and development work with track time. It includes free practice sessions, Testing of Previous Cars (TPC), selected tests and tyre testing. He can also be called up as an emergency replacement if a race driver is unavailable, as has already happened within the team this season. Red Bull says the programme is designed to fully prepare him to race in F1 at the highest level. He had already made his FP1 debut for Racing Bulls at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he compared favourably with Lindblad.

A Formula 2 season to finish

Tsolov is still fighting for the Formula 2 title with Rafael Camara, who joins Haas in 2027, and Alex Dunne. In his first full season in the category he has six wins, including a run of three in a row, a first in the championship's history. He is seven points behind Camara with two rounds to go, in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Last year he finished runner-up to Camara in F3.

What Red Bull says

Team principal Laurent Mekies praised his talent, progress, maturity and willingness to learn, and said Red Bull will fully support his F2 title bid. The stated aim is to give him the experience, tools and support to be ready to race in F1 the following season, 2028. Tsolov said he is grateful, that his ambition is to become an F1 driver, and that his immediate priority is to finish the F2 season as well as possible.