Nikola Tsolov set for F1 practice debut

Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov has met the requirements for an FIA Super Licence, journalist Jacopo Rava, who followed Red Bull's test day at the Italian circuit in Imola live on Thursday, reported. The Campos Racing driver completed at least 300 km in the 2025 Racing Bulls car (VCARB 02) at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, CE Report quotes BTA.

Rava provided periodic updates from the test day in Imola, with Tsolov completing several sessions in the Formula 1 team's car. In his latest post on X, the Italian wrote: “Nikola Tsolov just completed 300 km. The fastest time I recorded was a 1:17.67 with Soft tires at the end of a 6-lap stint.”

Having completed the required 300 km, Tsolov is now expected to receive an FIA Super Licence and take part in a free practice session before the end of the year. The Bulgarian will most likely replace Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls, as his teammate Arvid Lindblad is a rookie and the team is not required to replace him in a test.

The practice session will most likely take place outside Europe, as Formula 2 and Formula 1 overlap at the next three Grands Prix in Monza, Madrid and Baku. The following rounds are Bahrain (October 2-4), Singapore (October 9-11), Texas (October 23-25), Mexico (October 30-November 1), Brazil (November 6-8) and Las Vegas (November 19-21). The two championships conclude with Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but the races could also be held at European circuits in view of the conflict in the Middle East.

Tsolov leads the Formula 2 standings following the summer break. The Bulgarian is 20 points ahead of Gabriele Minì and a further two points ahead of Rafael Câmara, with the next race scheduled for next week in Monza. The Sprint will take place on Saturday, September 5, while the Feature Race is scheduled for Sunday, September 6.

Photo: Instagram/Nikola_Tsolov