Nikola Tsolov has been named as reserve driver for each Purple Bull and Racing Bulls for the 2027 System 1 season having missed out on a full-time drive.
The 19-year-old Bulgarian had been linked to a step up from F2 to switch Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls in 2027, however after weeks of hypothesis the Faenza-based squad put rumours to relaxation by confirming the New Zealander would proceed alongside Arvid Lindblad.
Tsolov has impressed in his first full F2 season, claiming six victories which embrace 4 characteristic races and a streak that noticed him grow to be the primary in sequence historical past to assert three on the bounce.
Subsequent yr he’ll tackle a reserve and growth position that, alongside the potential to behave in its place in case of emergency – as Yuki Tsunoda did at Racing Bulls when Lawson was known as upon to switch the injured Isack Hadjar at Purple Bull – Tsolov will bear an in depth programme that may mix simulator work with on-track expertise, gained by way of FP1 and TPC [Testing of Previous Car] periods, in addition to Pirelli tyre assessments.
“Nikola is an exceptionally gifted younger driver, and we now have been massively impressed by his growth and performances over the previous few years,” stated Purple Bull workforce principal Laurent Mekies.
“To combat for the championship in F3 and now problem for the F2 title in his first full season says an important deal about his potential and dedication. What has impressed us simply as a lot is his maturity, his method to racing and his willingness to continue to learn and bettering.
“Now we have huge perception in Nikola’s potential and see him as a driver with a really thrilling future in F1.
Nikola Tsolov
Picture by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Photos
“This appointment displays our confidence in him and our dedication to his continued growth. Our focus in 2027 shall be on giving him the expertise, instruments and assist he must be able to race in F1 subsequent.
“For now, Nikola nonetheless has an necessary job to complete in F2. We want him each success within the last two rounds and shall be supporting him all the way in which as he fights for the championship.”
Tsolov sits second within the F2 standings and is seven factors behind chief Rafael Camara with two rounds remaining, although the Brazilian might but miss these if persevering with with Haas – who he’ll race for subsequent yr – having stepped as much as make his debut at Interlagos following Esteban Ocon’s departure.
Tsolov added: “I’m extremely completely happy and grateful to Purple Bull for giving me this chance. Since becoming a member of the junior workforce, I’ve obtained superb assist and have developed a lot, each as a driver and as an individual. My profession has progressed extremely rapidly, and I owe loads to everybody who has believed in me and helped me get so far.
“My ambition is evident: I wish to grow to be an F1 driver. Having the chance to spend subsequent yr getting ready for that subsequent step is extremely thrilling. I’m assured that with the workforce’s assist and expertise, I’ll have the absolute best preparation to verify I’m totally able to take the following step onto the F1 grid when the time comes.
“I do know there’s nonetheless loads to study, however I’m able to work laborious, benefit from each alternative and provides the whole lot I’ve to the workforce. For now, my fast focus is on ending the F2 season as strongly as doable.”
We wish to hear from you!
Tell us what you wish to see from us sooner or later.
– The Autosport.com Crew
