Red Bull is looking ahead, and this time it's Nikola Tsolov getting the golden ticket: his first Formula 1 test with Racing Bulls at Imola. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson was busy with Pirelli tyre testing duties for Red Bull at Mugello.
Tsolov, the current Formula 2 championship leader, completed 690 km in the VCARB 02—Racing Bulls' 2025 F1 car—on Thursday. This was part of the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, designed to give Red Bull's juniors valuable mileage. For Tsolov, it was his first time behind the wheel of an F1 car.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane praised Tsolov's quick adaptation. "Today was a really positive step for Nikola," he said. "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 emphasized that this outing is part of the ongoing development plan for junior drivers, providing them with the tools, mileage, and environment to grow.
For Tsolov, this moment is the culmination of a lifelong dream. "First TPC day in a Formula 1 car done, and I'm super happy with how today went," said the Bulgarian. "I really enjoyed every lap and it's difficult to put into words what it means to finally get this opportunity." He hopes to add more kilometers in the future.
Lawson was back in action for Red Bull at the Pirelli test, fresh from standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar at the Dutch GP. He completed 116 laps with a best time of 1:22.297, while Ayumu Iwasa, Racing Bulls' test and reserve driver, managed 117 laps with a best time of 1:23.414.
Audi and McLaren also joined the Pirelli test at Mugello. Oscar Piastri completed 93 laps with a best time of 1:21.358, while Dutch GP winner Lando Norris posted 115 laps with a best time of 1:21.899. Nico Hulkenberg of Audi produced 121 laps with a best time of 1:24.012.
Racing Bulls 2027 Seat Battle
This opportunity for Tsolov signals that Red Bull is seriously evaluating its options for the Racing Bulls lineup in 2027. Tsolov, aiming to become Bulgaria's first F1 driver, faces stiff competition from Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad for a seat. With his impressive F2 form, he could be a dark horse in this battle.
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