On August 27, Nikola Tsolov, the current leader of the Formula 2 championship, test-drove Racing Bull’s VCARB 02 for the first time in his career. This test drive was Tsolov’s first-ever time in a Formula 1 car, and he completed 143 laps (almost 429 miles). As he flew around Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy, Tsolov set a lap time of 1:16.95, only one second slower than 7-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s record of 1:15.484.
Tsolov showed many great qualities in the car that day. He adapted quickly and was very calm and composed. These are all promising qualities that will prove incredibly useful if Tsolov ever secures a seat on the F1 grid. Clearly, it is not a stretch to say that Racing Bulls is likely viewing Tsolov as a great candidate for a Formula 1 driver in the near future or even next year.
Additionally, what makes Tsolov’s lap speed something incredibly promising and impressive is how significantly different Formula 1 cars are from Formula 2 cars. The most significant difference is the speed gap. Formula 2 cars tend to race around 600 horsepower, while Formula 1 cars have over 1000 horsepower. Therefore, stepping into a Formula 1 car for the first time can feel very different from the Formula 2 car he is used to.
Clearly, this test drive puts him in a great position for a Racing Bulls seat in 2027, as both VCARB (Visa Cash App Racing Bulls) drivers have yet to be announced for the 2027 season. While both Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson are doing exceedingly well this season, that does not guarantee them a seat in the car next year. Especially if Racing Bulls sees potential in Tsolov, there is a large chance that we might see him on the Formula 1 grid next year. On the other hand, even if this test drive does not earn Tsolov a direct ticket to Formula 1 next year, it certainly puts him in a great position to become a VCARB reserve driver in the next few years.