Ralf Schumacher backs Nikola Tsolov for Formula 1 seat at Racing Bulls

Ralf Schumacher, who made 182 Formula 1 starts and won six races across a ten-year career, has publicly called for Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov to be given a seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull's junior F1 team, for the 2027 season.

What Schumacher said

According to Standart, Schumacher argued that Racing Bulls, as a development team, should turn its attention to the next generation of drivers. He said Liam Lawson has had his opportunity and that the time for change has come. Schumacher proposed that Tsolov line up alongside Arvid Lindblad at the team for 2027. "Tsolov is a promising talent and should be given a chance, as he is a young driver," he is reported to have said.

Racing Bulls feeds directly into the senior Red Bull outfit, making a seat there one of the most direct routes into Formula 1.

Where Tsolov stands right now

Schumacher's comments follow last weekend's Formula 2 round in Baku, after which Tsolov moved up to second in the overall championship standings. He finished runner-up in Formula 3 the previous year and has carried that form into F2.

Standart notes that his path has not been decided. Red Bull may opt to send him to the Japanese Super Formula series for a further season before an F1 promotion, a route the team has used with other young drivers.

The driver who beat Tsolov to the Formula 3 title last year, Rafa Camara, also won Saturday's Baku race, temporarily dropping Tsolov from the top of the F2 standings. The two have traded positions across two consecutive championships.

The broader picture for Bulgarian fans

Formula 2 is the final feeder series before Formula 1, leaving Tsolov one category away from the top tier. He is backed by one of the most resourced programs in the paddock. Red Bull's next decision, whether that is a 2027 Racing Bulls seat or a season in Japan, will determine how quickly that step comes.