Red Bull delivered Nikola Tsolov his inaugural Formula 1 test, covering 690 km in the 2025 VCARB 02 at Imola during an advanced testing programme.
Imola Test Assessment
During the Thursday session, the 2025 Racing Bulls car produced a complete 690 km stint. Alan Permane, Racing Bulls chief, praised Tsolov’s quick adaptation and “the composure you want to see from a driver taking on an F1 car for the first time.”
Permane outlined that the outing fits the team’s ongoing development plan, aiming to give junior drivers mileage and race‑worthy experience.
Junior Pathway & 2027 Aspirations
Tsolov—currently at the helm of the Formula 2 championship—seeks to become Bulgaria’s first F1 driver and intends to graduate from F2 over the winter. He faces stiff competition for a seat against Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad in the Racing Bulls 2027 line-up.
Speaking after the session, Tsolov noted: “First TPC day in an F1 car done, and I’m super happy with how today went.” He added gratitude towards VCARB and Red Bull for the opportunity.
Additional Red Bull Testing Activities
Earlier in the week, Liam Lawson returned to Red Bull duty during a Pirelli tyre test at the Tuscan GP venue. Lawson completed 116 laps, clocking a best of 1 m 22.297 s, before handing the car to reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa, who logged 117 laps with a best time of 1 m 23.414 s.
The session, alongside Audi and McLaren, focused on three of the hardest tyre compounds projected for the 2027 range.
Key Competitor Performances
Oscar Piastri raced 93 laps, besting at 1 m 21.358 s. Lando Norris, winner of the Dutch GP, completed 115 laps with a best of 1 m 21.899 s. German legend Hulkenberg, driving for Audi, covered 121 laps with a best time of 1 m 24.012 s.
Looking Ahead
With Tsolov’s successful test and ongoing evaluations of Lawson and other emergent talents, Red Bull’s assessment of its 2027 constructors’ hierarchy continues to sharpen.
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