Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov has spoken openly about the growing calls from senior figures for him to be promoted to Formula 1 racing.
F2 team owner Adrian Campos made headlines earlier this summer when he stated that Tsolov “really deserves” a chance to compete at the highest level of motorsport.
The 19-year-old Bulgarian rookie admitted the comments from Campos caught him completely off guard, describing the relationship within the team as being like a family.
Tsolov’s dominant sweep of both the sprint and feature races at the British Grand Prix weekend has propelled him to the very top of the F2 standings this season.
Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane also weighed in, saying: “To say he’s on the radar [for the team] would be a little bit of an understatement. He’s next in line, I think it’s fair to say.”
Responding to Campos’ backing, Tsolov told F1.com: “It does mean a lot. I wouldn’t expect him to say that, but we’re a family like I’ve always been saying.”
Tsolov also credited the Campos operation for creating the ideal conditions around him, saying: “Not only by setting up the car, but also creating the right environment inside the team.”
He went further, highlighting how the team’s internal culture has been a defining factor in his remarkable rookie campaign this year.
“There are teams that work very well around the car, but the environment is not as good, so for me putting your driver in the right mindset can lead to what we’re achieving this year,” Tsolov added.
On the subject of discussions with Red Bull, Tsolov was measured and grounded, making clear that nothing concrete has yet been discussed regarding a step up to F1.
“They’re obviously really happy with me, but there’s nothing that has been talked about, nothing clear,” he confirmed, stressing the focus remains firmly on Formula 2.
Tsolov acknowledged the full role Red Bull has played in preparing him for the pressures and expectations that come with leading the F2 championship standings.
He said: “Obviously Red Bull themselves have prepared me for all this, what’s happening now and because of their help I’m able to achieve those results as well.”
The teenager was keen to keep both feet on the ground despite the mounting speculation linking him with a Racing Bulls seat alongside former Campos team-mate Arvid Lindblad.
“Things are never certain in this sport, so it’s all about taking every opportunity I get from now on and focus on F2, because that’s the only thing that can really help me progress up the ladder,” Tsolov concluded.