Permane names Nikola Tsolov ‘next in line’ for Racing Bulls promotion

Tsolov emerges as Racing Bulls’ leading option

Nikola Tsolov has moved firmly into Racing Bulls’ future planning, with Team Principal Alan Permane describing the Formula 2 title contender as “next in line” for a promotion.

Tsolov’s case is nevertheless becoming increasingly difficult to overlook. The Red Bull Junior Team driver currently leads the Formula 2 standings by 17 points and has claimed four Feature Race victories. His latest form has placed him at the centre of driver-market discussions, while his Spa Formula 2 practice performance has added to the momentum surrounding his campaign.

“He’s now leading the championship after his great weekend at Silverstone, so to say he’s on the radar would be a little bit of an understatement. He’s next in line, I think is fair to say,” Permane said.

No immediate decision on the 2027 line-up

Permane stressed that the timing of any promotion remains undecided. Racing Bulls will continue to assess the situation before making a call on whether Tsolov moves up later in the year.

“When that will be, I don’t know, honestly. It’s not an untruth to say we’re not thinking about it at the moment. He’s there, he’s doing his job, we’re doing our job, and we’ll make a call if and when he comes up to Racing Bulls later this year,” he added.

The uncertainty comes as Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad continue to produce strong results. Both drivers are reportedly tied to deals expiring at the end of the season, but their recent performances have strengthened their claims: Racing Bulls has recorded four consecutive double-points finishes.

That run has lifted the team to sixth in the Teams’ Championship, just one point behind Alpine in the fight to become “best of the rest”. Permane acknowledged that the closeness between Lawson and Lindblad may require careful management.

“They’re incredibly close – I think if you look at this morning, their ideal laps are separated by milliseconds, so it’s going to be nip and tuck all year,” he said.