Tsolov 2027 F1 Talk Denied by Racing Bulls

Racing Bulls has denied that Nikola Tsolov already has a Formula 1 seat lined up for 2027, with team principal Alan Permane saying the Red Bull junior's promotion has not even been discussed internally despite his surging Formula 2 campaign.

Speaking ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Permane pushed back directly on the speculation. "In-house we have not discussed that matter at all," Alan Permane, Racing Bulls team principal, said. He added that it was "far too early" at Round 8 of the season and said the rumor was "at least not something that came from us."

That denial matters because Tsolov is building a strong case on track. The 19-year-old is running second in the Formula 2 standings and, according to the available reports, sits only two points behind leader Gabriele Mini after four wins. Permane pointed to that form by saying Tsolov had already won in Melbourne and Monaco and then added another victory in Austria, warning that he will "very soon" be ready to "knock on the door."

Racing Bulls is not dismissing Tsolov as a future option. It is actively preparing him. Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO, told Sky that the team is planning a TPC test in the autumn so Tsolov can build the mileage needed for a Friday practice license. Bayer said, "Those are just rumors. He is doing a great job and is a huge talent that we naturally have on our radar. But we have only just completed seven races and Liam and Arvid are doing just as great a job. So it is not a topic at all right now."

The test plan shows where Tsolov stands inside the Red Bull system. He is being monitored closely and developed, but not yet assigned a race seat. Bayer said the autumn running is being considered because Tsolov still needs more kilometers for that specific license situation, even though he already has 25 Super Licence points from finishing runner-up in Formula 3.

Permane also made clear that Racing Bulls' current drivers remain central to the team's thinking. In an interview with El Mundo Deportivo, he said no decision had been taken on the future and backed Liam Lawson strongly. "Liam has been incredible this year, honestly," Permane said. He added that Lawson has done "exactly everything we asked of him" and described him as focused, consistently quick and someone who takes opportunities without making mistakes.

That leaves Racing Bulls with a useful problem rather than a settled choice. Permane said having too many good drivers is "always a good problem," while stressing that Tsolov is doing an impressive job and is being followed very closely.

For now, the team's message is clear: Tsolov is a serious candidate for the future, not a confirmed 2027 signing. If he goes on to win the Formula 2 title, that pressure will only increase because the champion cannot remain in the series, forcing Red Bull to find the next step more quickly.