In brief
BTA reports that Nikola Tsolov will drive the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls’ Formula 1 car in the initial practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix, a milestone in his progression as a Red Bull Junior Programme driver. The move follows a successful test at Imola and includes remarks from the driver and team principal on the development opportunity.
Bulgaria’s rising F1 talent Nikola Tsolov will take the wheel of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls’ Formula 1 car in the first free‑practice session of the 2027 Mexico City Grand Prix, according to a press release confirmed by BTA on 26 February. The event will mark Tsolov’s debut in an official Formula 1 FIA session.
Since joining the Red Bull Junior Team in 2025, Tsolov has compiled a record of success in junior categories, winning the Spanish F4 Championship in 2022 and finishing as runner‑up in the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship. He is currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 season with Campos Racing, positioning himself as a contender for the 2026 Drivers’ Championship.
VCARB’s decision follows a 700‑kilometre test conducted by Tsolov at Imola in August, where the driver demonstrated the competence required for an F1 licence. The test was described as a key development step within the Red Bull Junior Programme, and it set the stage for his upcoming appearance.
“A big thank you to VCARB for giving me this opportunity in Mexico,” Tsolov said in the press release. “Following my test with the team at Imola in August, I’m excited to take this next step, build on that experience and learn more about the car and the current regulations. I’ll focus on making the most of the session, working closely with the team and providing useful feedback.”
Team Principal Alan Permane stressed that running Tsolov in an F1 car reflects the team’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent. “Having already worked with Nikola at Imola, we’re looking forward to seeing him build on that experience in Mexico and to the feedback he can provide to help support our preparations for the weekend,” Permane added.
The move underscores VCARB’s strategy of providing valuable track time for junior drivers, a practice the team believes enhances overall competition and driver development. By integrating Tsolov into an official event, the team aims to collect data on his performance and refine future decision‑making within the junior hierarchy.
As Tsolov prepares to take part in the first practice session, observers note that the experience will be pivotal for his growth, coinciding with his ongoing F2 campaign and his trajectory within the Red Bull development pipeline. The successful integration of a junior driver into a full Formula 1 weekend remains a noteworthy development for the sport’s broader talent‑scouting ecosystem.