Mexico City Grand Prix · News
Tsolov to replace Lawson for Racing Bulls in Mexico City FP1
Nikola Tsolov will make his official F1 session debut for Racing Bulls in Mexico City, taking Liam Lawson’s car for first practice.
Racing Bulls will give Nikola Tsolov his first appearance in an official Formula 1 session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with the Bulgarian taking over Liam Lawson’s car for FP1.
The outing at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez marks another step in Tsolov’s development with the Red Bull Junior Programme. He joined the programme in 2025 after winning the Spanish F4 Championship in 2022 and finishing runner-up in FIA Formula 3 this year.
Tsolov builds on his Imola test experience
The 18-year-old arrives in Mexico after his first Formula 1 test with Racing Bulls at Imola in August. Driving the team’s 2025-specification VCARB 02 as part of its Testing of Previous Cars programme, he completed 143 laps and 690 kilometres. The car was powered by the Honda RBPTH003 engine.
Tsolov said the FP1 run would let him build on what he learned at Imola, become more familiar with the car and current regulations, and work with the team to provide useful feedback. His first test with the squad was covered in our report on Tsolov’s Imola running.
Formula 2 form adds to the significance of the chance
Tsolov is also in the Formula 2 title fight with Campos Racing. He sits second in the standings, seven points behind leader Rafael Câmara with two rounds remaining. His campaign has featured six victories, including wins in Melbourne and Miami and a double victory at Silverstone. Our coverage of Tsolov’s Formula 2 campaign examines the pressure around his title bid.
Racing Bulls’ decision also contributes to its rookie running under the 2026 sporting regulations. Teams must give eligible rookies—drivers with no more than two Grand Prix starts—at least two free practice sessions per car during the season, amounting to four outings per team.
Team principal Alan Permane called the session an important part of Tsolov’s development in the junior programme. He said the team was keen to see him build on the Imola work and provide feedback to support its preparations for the weekend. The Mexico appearance gives Tsolov a first opportunity to do that in an official Formula 1 session.