Loading
Nikola Tsolov has completed his first Formula 1 test, covering 690 kilometres for Racing Bulls at Imola on Thursday in the VCARB 02.
The 19-year-old Bulgarian is currently leading the FIA Formula 2 standings and is regarded as the next driver in line for a Formula 1 opportunity should Red Bull choose to promote him in the future. His Imola outing therefore represented an important milestone in the development of a driver already positioned prominently within the Red Bull Junior Team structure.
Tsolov drove the car used by Yuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson during the 2025 Formula 1 season. The usual requirement that cars used for Testing of Previous Cars must be at least two years old was waived because of the regulation changes introduced for this season.
The test gave Tsolov his first opportunity to experience Formula 1 machinery over a sustained distance. It also placed him inside the same Racing Bulls development environment that has recently praised Yuki Tsunoda’s rapid adaptation to the team’s 2026 machinery.
Tsolov described the experience as the culmination of a lifelong ambition, while stressing that he hopes to add further mileage in the future.
“First TPC day in a Formula 1 car done, and I’m super happy with how it went,” he said. “I really enjoyed every lap, and it’s difficult to put into words what it means to finally get this opportunity.”
He added: “It’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life, so to finally experience it is pretty incredible. I still don’t think I’ve fully comprehended what we achieved, but I enjoyed every lap, and hopefully I’ll get the chance to add some more kilometres soon.”
Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane highlighted Tsolov’s composure and speed of adaptation during the test, describing the outing as a positive step. He said the session formed part of the team’s continuing development plan for its junior drivers, providing the tools, mileage and environment required to progress.
Tsolov’s test came during a highly productive FIA F2 campaign. He has won six races in 2026, including four feature races, and completed the rare feat of winning both the feature and sprint races at Silverstone while supporting the British Grand Prix.
That double victory formed part of a run of three successive wins after his Austrian feature-race success. With five rounds remaining, Tsolov holds a 20-point advantage over Gabriele Mini in the drivers’ standings. His Imola mileage now adds a significant Formula 1 reference point to an already compelling season.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.