Nikola Tsolov is set to make his FP1 debut for Racing Bulls at the 2026 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, temporarily stepping into the car in place of Liam Lawson. This pivotal move arrives right in the middle of crucial driver line-up evaluations as the Faenza-based squad weighs its options for the upcoming 2027 season.
Lawson has enjoyed a resilient 2026 campaign following his turbulent Red Bull demotion early last year. The Kiwi driver currently holds ninth position in the drivers' standings, successfully steering Racing Bulls toward a near-guaranteed fifth place in the constructors' championship with only five rounds remaining in the calendar.
Nevertheless, Tsolov's explosive junior career trajectory has forced a re-evaluation within the team management. The Bulgarian youngster has racked up six wins in F2 this season, keeping himself firmly in championship contention and making a future promotion to the premier class increasingly inevitable.
Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane addressed the impending decision regarding the 2027 cockpit allocation, emphasizing that the organization is taking a measured approach to a very high-stakes situation. Permane noted that while the team appreciates its current roster, difficult choices lie ahead.
“I don’t want to give you a definite date. It’s going to be in the coming weeks, let’s say,” Permane stated regarding the timeline for the 2027 driver decision. “I mean, we’re in no rush. I think everyone knows we’ve got two fantastic drivers. But three doesn’t fit into two, of course, and we’re just going to take a little bit more time and make sure we get the right pairing for next year.”
For Tsolov, taking part in official weekend running at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez represents the realization of a milestone after previously testing the machinery at Imola back in August. Expressing his gratitude, the 19-year-old is fully prepared to absorb maximum data during the practice session. “A big thank you to VCARB for giving me this opportunity in Mexico,” Tsolov said. “Following my test with the team at Imola in August, I’m excited to take this next step, build on that experience and learn more about the car and the current regulations. I’ll focus on making the most of the session, working closely with the team and providing useful feedback.”
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