Nikola Tsolov logged his first Formula 1 laps for Racing Bulls at Imola, completing 690 kilometers in a Testing of Previous Cars session. The 19-year-old Red Bull junior leads the Formula 2 championship by 20 points with three rounds remaining, and the TPC run keeps him squarely in the conversation for a 2027 promotion.

Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane called the day "a really positive step," noting Tsolov adapted quickly and showed the composure the team looks for. Permane had already signaled in July that Tsolov is on the radar for a call-up, saying "we'll make a call if and when he comes up to Racing Bulls later this year."

The timeline hinges on Tsolov wrapping the F2 title. If he closes it out at Monza, Spa, or Abu Dhabi, the Red Bull pipeline has another decision to make—and Racing Bulls has two seats that could open for 2027.

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