Nikola Tsolov puts Racing Bulls under pressure: three drivers, just two seats for 2027

Nikola Tsolov’s upcoming appearance in first free practice in Mexico puts Racing Bulls’ 2027 driver choice under greater scrutiny. The Bulgarian has an opportunity to show what he can do in an official session while the team weighs the ambitions of three drivers. That dilemma is the focus of an analysis published today by Formula1.com.

Why is the decision so difficult?

The championship’s official website identifies Tsolov as a genuine contender for a race seat. The challenge for Red Bull’s management is that Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are also making strong cases to stay. With Isack Hadjar confirmed alongside Max Verstappen in the senior team, there is limited room to reshuffle the line-ups.

Lindblad has impressed in his rookie season, while Lawson has complicated the choice with Q3 appearances and points finishes. The New Zealander has another argument in his favour: his performances standing in for the injured Hadjar at Red Bull. Creating an opening for Nikola would therefore require a difficult decision, despite the strength of his candidacy.

Permane has already identified Nikola as next in line

Back in July, Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane described Tsolov as next in line for promotion. He praised the Bulgarian’s Formula 2 results but left open the question of when that step might happen.

That distinction remains significant. Recognition of his ability shows that the team takes him seriously, but does not itself amount to a race-seat agreement. Permane stressed at the time that Nikola should continue doing his job while the team assessed its future line-up.

Preparation began before Mexico

Tsolov already has experience behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. During his Racing Bulls test at Imola in August, he completed 690 kilometres as part of the Testing of Previous Cars programme.

Afterwards, Permane highlighted his quick adaptation and composure. The team presented the test as part of its ongoing development programme for young drivers: building mileage, working with engineers and learning Formula 1’s demands.

What does the Mexico opportunity mean?

In Pitlane24’s assessment, the practice session is another step in that preparation and an opportunity for Nikola to strengthen his case through his work on track. One session can hardly answer every question about his future. It does, however, add another element to the decision facing Racing Bulls: how to allocate two seats among three convincing candidates.