Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has firmly dismissed speculation linking Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov with a move to the F1 team for 2027.
The Bulgarian teenager has made an impressive start to his debut Formula 2 season, winning three of the first ten races of the year.
Tsolov currently sits second in the F2 drivers’ championship, behind Alpine Academy driver Gabriele Mini, making him one of the most exciting prospects in junior motorsport.
His strong form naturally sparked speculation about an early promotion to Formula 1, given Racing Bulls’ history of driver changes in recent seasons.
Liam Lawson was identified as the driver most at risk of losing his seat, should Racing Bulls decide to fast-track Tsolov into F1 for the 2027 campaign.
Lawson is currently in his second full season with the team, having also made 11 starts across 2023 and 2024 before securing a permanent drive.
Speaking to Sky Sports at the Austrian Grand Prix on Friday, Permane made clear that no internal discussions about Tsolov’s promotion have taken place whatsoever.
“They are just rumours,” Permane said. “We honestly haven’t even discussed it. Not at all, of course he’s on our radar, he’s in the Red Bull program, he’s doing very well in F2, but I’m very happy with the two I have at the moment.”
Permane also pointed to a practical barrier standing in the way of any potential promotion, noting that Tsolov does not yet hold the required superlicense to compete in Formula 1.
“Like I say, no discussion at all. Tsolov also doesn’t have a super license yet,” Permane added, further closing the door on the rumours.
The team principal did find time to praise Ayumu Iwasa, who stepped in for first practice in Austria and impressed behind the wheel of the Racing Bulls car.
“Ayumu has done a great job for us this morning,” Permane said, acknowledging the 24-year-old’s contribution to the team’s Friday programme.
While Tsolov’s F2 performances have undeniably caught attention across the paddock, Permane’s comments suggest Racing Bulls are in no rush to make changes to their current driver lineup heading into next season.