Red Bull reportedly decides on Nikola Tsolov promotion as historic Formula 1 debut moves closer – Red Bull has reportedly made a significant decision regarding its future driver line-up, with Formula 2 contender Nikola Tsolov said to be on course for a Formula 1 seat in 2027.
According to reports from Spain via Soymotor, the Red Bull junior has already been selected internally for promotion to Racing Bulls, a move that would see him become the first Bulgarian driver in Formula 1 history.
The reported decision comes as Red Bull continues to evaluate its long-term driver plans amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the futures of several members of its current Formula 1 roster.
Red Bull reportedly finalises plans for Tsolov promotion
Spanish publication SoyMotor claims Red Bull management has effectively completed the process of selecting Tsolov for a Racing Bulls seat in 2027.
The report states that an agreement is already in place and that only final contractual details remain unresolved. While the deal has not yet been officially announced, the outlet describes the promotion as being “practically a done deal.”
RacingNews365 has also reported on the growing expectation that Tsolov could join the Formula 1 grid in 2027, although it noted that no final contract has yet been signed.
The Bulgarian has been one of the standout performers in Red Bull’s junior programme over the past two seasons. After finishing runner-up in Formula 3 during 2025, he stepped up to Formula 2 with Campos Racing and has continued his strong development.
Heading into the Austrian Formula 2 weekend, Tsolov sits second in the championship standings and remains firmly in contention for the title.
Historic milestone for Bulgarian motorsport
Should the promotion be completed, Tsolov would become the first Bulgarian driver ever to compete in Formula 1.
The championship’s history stretches back to 1950, with drivers from 41 different nations having raced in Formula 1 during that period. Bulgaria has never previously been represented on the grid, making Tsolov’s potential arrival a landmark moment for the country’s motorsport scene.
Red Bull has built a reputation for identifying and developing young talent through its junior programme, with drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz all progressing through the system before reaching Formula 1 success.
Tsolov could become the latest graduate to follow that pathway.
Verstappen decision could influence wider Red Bull plans
While reports suggest Tsolov’s promotion has largely been decided, the final composition of Red Bull’s 2027 driver line-up remains dependent on developments elsewhere within the organisation.
Much of the uncertainty centres on Max Verstappen‘s future. Ongoing speculation has linked the four-time world champion with potential opportunities away from Red Bull, and any departure would likely trigger a wider reshuffle throughout the team’s structure.
According to SoyMotor, the current expectation is that Tsolov would partner fellow Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls in 2027.
Such a scenario would leave little room for existing drivers and could potentially bring Liam Lawson‘s time within the Red Bull programme to an end.
However, those plans could change significantly should Verstappen decide to leave the senior Red Bull team, creating vacancies that would alter the entire driver market picture.
Super licence hurdle remains before F1 debut
Despite the growing confidence surrounding Tsolov’s Formula 1 prospects, one important step remains before any debut can become reality.
The 19-year-old still needs to secure the FIA super licence required to compete in Formula 1. However, his recent performances in Formula 2 have placed him firmly on course to accumulate the necessary points.
If his current form continues, obtaining the licence should be a formality before the start of the 2027 season.
For now, Red Bull has yet to publicly confirm any decision. Nevertheless, reports from Spain suggest the company believes it has already identified its next Formula 1 prospect, with Tsolov increasingly viewed as the latest star emerging from one of motorsport’s most successful junior programmes.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
Soy Motor isn’t exactly know for being a reliable publication like AMuS; hence, I’d buy into this claim about Tsolov only if it were from them or Erik Van Haren, who’s the most reliable individual for reporting about Red Bull organization matters.
Realistically, he’d stand a chance only IF max left with Lindblad promoted, as in all other scenarios, the VCARB lineup would almost certainly remain unchanged.
However, the super license situation is indeed a non-issue since a miracle would need to happen for him to finisher lower than the lowest position enough to reach the 40 license-point threshold.