In brief
In a major milestone for the Red Bull Junior Programme, Nikola Tsolov will drive the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls car in Saturday’s first free‑practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix. The team confirmed the move on Wednesday, citing his successful test at Imola and his rapid rise through the junior ranks. Tsolov and VCARB officials highlighted the opportunity for growth and valuable feedback as he steps into the world’s premier racing series.
During the first free‑practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) team will hand the wheel to Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov, marking the Red Bull Junior Programme’s latest effort to nurture emerging talent.
Background
In 2025, Tsolov joined the Red Bull Junior Team, following a stellar path that saw him win the 2022 Spanish F4 Championship and finish as runner‑up in the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship. He now competes in the FIA Formula 2 season with Campos Racing and is tipped as a title contender for the 2026 Drivers’ Championship.
VCARB confirmed the drive on its official website on Wednesday, following the Bulgarian’s successful 700‑kilometre test run with the team at Imola in August. Tsolov’s imminent debut comes after the team’s management has expressed confidence in his potential to contribute to both the team’s progress and his own professional development.
"A big thank you to VCARB for giving me this opportunity in Mexico," Tsolov wrote in a press release, adding, “Following my test with the team at Imola, I’m excited to take this next step, build on that experience and learn more about the car and the current regulations.”
“I’ll focus on making the most of the session, working closely with the team and providing useful feedback.”
VCARB Team Principal Alan Permane echoed the sentiment, stressing that running Tsolov in an F1 car reflects the team’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
“Having already worked with Nikola at Imola, we’re looking forward to seeing him build on that experience in Mexico and to the feedback he can provide to help support our preparations for the weekend.”
Mexico City Grand Prix Session
The first free‑practice session will take place in the heat of the Mexican summer, offering Tsolov exposure to both the challenging circuit and the complex regulations governing Formula 1 racing. VCARB’s car, prepared by experienced engineers, will provide a platform for the rookie to test his skills against elite competition.
Team officials noted that Tsolov will take the wheel of the same car previously driven by Liam Lawson. The opportunity is seen as crucial for both immediate learning and long‑term prospects within the Red Bull junior hierarchy.
Team principal Permane highlighted that the experience will allow the driver to “build on that experience in Mexico and to the feedback he can provide to help support our preparations for the weekend” while also gaining invaluable insight into the operation of a Formula 1 car under race‑week conditions.
With the session scheduled for Saturday, Tsolov is prepared to navigate the demanding Adelaide‑style turns of the circuit, and gather data that will benefit the team’s strategy. While no official times or results have yet been released, perspective on the event underscores its significance for a driver at the cusp of moving from junior ranks to the pinnacle of motorsport.
As the Grand Prix weekend unfolds, global racing enthusiasts and stakeholders in the Red Bull programme will be watching closely to gauge Tsolov’s adaptation to the sport’s most demanding vehicle. The event is expected to draw attention not only from fans but also from industry professionals who monitor emerging talent for future opportunities on the world stage.