Red Bull talent Nikola Tsolov on his F1 chance: “Not that simple”

Many GP experts and fans are certain that Nikola Tsolov will make his Formula 1 debut next year. The young racing driver from Bulgaria, who is part of the Red Bull Junior Team, is currently putting in strong performances in Formula 2. He is competing in his first full season in the top junior formula series, often described as the stepping stone to Formula 1.

He leads the overall standings with 167 points, ahead of Gabriele Mini. The Italian has 20 points fewer to his name. And with his three consecutive victories (at the Red Bull Ring and at Silverstone), Tsolov has already secured his place in the history books, as no other Formula 2 driver has ever achieved this before him. He has already triumphed six times this year; another victory would mean he would equal the record for the most Formula 2 wins in a single season.

No wonder there is so much interest in the teenager. Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer emphasised on ‘Sky Sports F1’: ‘We’re considering letting him do a test in an old Formula 1 car. He needs a licence to take part in Friday practice sessions in Formula 1, and he’s still a few kilometres short of the required experience.’

Test in an old GP car at Imola

He is set to gain this experience during Racing Bulls’ next test at Imola, in one of the Faenza-based team’s GP cars from last year. Speaking to our colleagues at ‘ServusTV’ about his Formula 1 prospects, Tsolov said: “It’s a difficult question. I hope I’ll get a seat in Formula 1. But unfortunately, it’s not that simple.”

At the moment, the 19-year-old insisted he is focusing entirely on his Formula 2 races. “I’m taking it one race at a time, because I know that the better I perform now, the better my chances of moving up. I’m focusing on what’s important right now, and we’ll see where that takes me. I really believe I deserve a chance, and I hope I get it.”

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