Nikola Tsolov continues to chase his Formula 1 debut, but his route into the Red Bull system is becoming increasingly complicated. The Bulgarian Red Bull academy driver, currently fighting for the Formula 2 title, now faces an unexpected obstacle in Liam Lawson, whose performances for Racing Bulls are making a 2027 driver change look less likely.
Liam Lawson strengthened his position further at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, finishing fifth in the Sprint and seventh in Sunday’s race. Those results have added weight to his case for continuity, especially with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar already confirmed at Red Bull and the organisation also keen to continue developing Arvid Lindblad.
Nikola Tsolov’s Red Bull F1 hopes face a new obstacle
Nikola Tsolov has continued working towards a Formula 1 opportunity through the Red Bull junior programme, but the number of realistic openings appears to be shrinking.
Liam Lawson’s recent form has become particularly significant. The New Zealander’s Singapore results strengthened his standing within Racing Bulls and reduced the likelihood of the team making a driver change for 2027.
That creates an increasingly difficult situation for Nikola Tsolov. Even if he continues to impress in Formula 2, the pathway into Formula 1 depends not only on his own performances but also on whether a seat actually becomes available within the Red Bull structure.
Liam Lawson strengthens his Racing Bulls position
Liam Lawson’s fifth place in the Singapore Sprint and seventh-place finish in the Grand Prix provided another strong weekend at a crucial stage of the season. His improving results are giving Red Bull fewer reasons to replace him ahead of 2027.
The broader driver picture also works against Nikola Tsolov. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar are already set to remain with Red Bull, while Arvid Lindblad remains part of the organisation’s longer-term plans. That leaves fewer obvious opportunities further down the Red Bull driver ladder.
Formula 2 title fight also becomes harder for Nikola Tsolov
Nikola Tsolov’s situation has also become more complicated in Formula 2. After a summer in which he claimed three consecutive victories, the 19-year-old lost the championship lead to Rafael Câmara.
That has left the Bulgarian chasing his rival during the final rounds of the season at a time when every result carries additional importance for his Formula 1 ambitions.
Even an F2 title may not guarantee an F1 opportunity
The paradox for Nikola Tsolov is clear. While he is trying to prove that he deserves a Formula 1 opportunity, Liam Lawson continues to give Red Bull reasons to keep its current structure intact.
Without a vacant seat, even winning the Formula 2 championship might not be enough for Nikola Tsolov to turn his Formula 1 dream into reality. His prospects therefore depend not only on delivering results in F2, but also on how Red Bull’s 2027 driver plans develop over the coming months.
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