F2 title leader Tsolov completes first F1 test with Racing Bulls

Formula 2 championship leader and Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov has taken part in his first F1 test for Racing Bulls at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari – better known to many as Imola – in Italy.

Tsolov completed 690km as part of a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, a milestone moment for the 19-year-old as he continues his development with the Red Bull Junior Programme.

“First TPC day in a Formula 1 car done, and I’m super happy with how today went,” Tsolov said after the experience. “I really enjoyed every lap and it’s difficult to put into words what it means to finally get this opportunity.

“A massive thank you to VCARB and the Red Bull Junior Team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. 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 today, but I enjoyed every lap and hopefully I’ll get the chance to add some more kilometres soon.”

Alan Permane, Team Principal at Racing Bulls, added: “Today was a really positive step for Nikola. He adapted quickly to the car and showed the composure you want to see from a driver taking on an F1 car for the first time.

“The outing is part of the ongoing development plan the team runs for its junior drivers, giving them the tools, the mileage, and the environment to develop. We've seen time and again what this pathway can produce, and it’s days like today that are part of how we keep building it."

Tsolov – who currently leads the F2 standings by 20 points from Gabriele Mini – has seen his name mentioned in speculation over Racing Bulls’ line-up for the 2027 F1 season, with Permane commenting in July: “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.”

The focus for Tsolov currently remains on the Formula 2 championship fight, however, which will continue next weekend at Monza.