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# Tsolov gets twin F1 2027 reserve role to prepare him for race seat
- URL: https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/tsolov-gets-twin-f1-2027-reserve-role-to-prepare-him-for-race-seat/
- Published: 2026-11-12T15:21:26.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-12T15:25:31.000Z
- Description: Red Bull has named Nikola Tsolov the official reserve driver of both of its Formula 1 teams in 2027
- Author: Josh Suttill
- Tags: Formula 1, #red-bull, #racing-bulls, #secondary_feature_3

Red Bull has named Nikola Tsolov the official reserve driver of both of its Formula 1 teams in 2027 with a programme “designed to ensure he is fully prepared to race in F1 at the highest level”.

Tsolov missed out on a 2027 Racing Bulls seat as Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad were both [handed extensions](https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/racing-bulls-commits-to-lawson-and-lindblad-as-2027-f1-line-up/) into next year. 

But Red Bull has made clear Tsolov is still very much the next driver in line for an F1 seat, confirming on the same day Lawson and Lindblad were confirmed for 2027 that Tsolov would be made reserve. 

Tsolov is currently fighting for the Formula 2 title with 2027 Haas F1 driver Rafael Camara and Alex Dunne, having taken six race wins with two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remaining. 

Tsolov finished runner-up to Camara in his third Formula 3 campaign last year. 

Red Bull's announcement read: “In his new role, Nikola will undertake an extensive development programme, combining simulator and development work with valuable track experience through Free Practice sessions, Testing of Previous Cars (TPC), selected test sessions and tyre testing. 

“Alongside his responsibilities as a reserve driver, the programme is designed to ensure he is fully prepared to race in F1 at the highest level.” 

Tsolov said he was “incredibly happy and grateful” to Red Bull for the opportunity. 

“My ambition is clear: I want to become an F1 driver,” he said.

“Having the opportunity to spend next year preparing for that next step is incredibly exciting. I’m confident that with the team’s support and experience, I’ll have the best possible preparation to make sure I’m fully ready to take the next step onto the F1 grid when the time comes.” 

Tsolov impressed Racing Bulls with his FP1 debut in Mexico where he compared favourably to 2026 rookie Lindblad. 

“Nikola is an exceptionally talented young driver, and we have been hugely impressed by his development and performances over the past few years,” Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies said.

“To fight for the championship in F3 and now challenge for the F2 title in his first full season says a great deal about his ability and determination. 

“What has impressed us just as much is his maturity, his approach to racing and his willingness to keep learning and improving.

“We have enormous belief in Nikola’s potential and see him as a driver with a very exciting future in F1\. 

“This appointment reflects our confidence in him and our commitment to his continued development. Our focus in 2027 will be on giving him the experience, tools and support he needs to be ready to race in F1 next.”