Nikola Tsolov is ‘next in line’ to race at Racing Bulls according to Alan Permane. Image: XPB Images
The Bulgarian has emerged as the leading candidate from Red Bull’s junior program after taking control of the Formula 2 championship during an impressive first full season in the category.
Tsolov currently leads Gabriele Mini by 22 points after finishing fourth in the Belgian sprint, despite the result bringing his three-race winning streak to an end.
His performances have only strengthened speculation that he could move into Formula 1 next season, with recent reports claiming the 19-year-old had already been guaranteed a seat at one of Red Bull’s two teams.
Permane previously dismissed suggestions that an agreement was already in place but has now offered his clearest indication that Tsolov is at the front of the queue should an opportunity emerge at Racing Bulls.
“He’s doing incredibly well,” he said.
“To say he’s on the radar would be a little bit of an understatement. He’s next in line, I think is fair to say.”
Complete our motor oil survey for your chance to win 1 of 5 Supercheap Auto $100 gift cards.
Take the short survey.
Tsolov finished runner-up in Formula 3 last season before stepping up to F2, where four Feature Race victories have placed him at the centre of Red Bull’s latest driver discussions.
Permane stopped short of confirming when a promotion could occur, insisting Racing Bulls had not yet reached the point of making a decision over its future line-up.
“When that will be, I don’t know, honestly. It’s not an untruth to say we’re not thinking about it at the moment,” he said.
“He’s there, he’s doing his job, we’re doing our job, and we’ll make a call if and when he comes up to Racing Bulls later this year.”
‘Too slow’: Lawson concedes Spa pace deficit
The comments arrive amid continued uncertainty over Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, with neither driver confirmed at Racing Bulls beyond the current season.
The reports claiming Tsolov had already secured a Formula 1 seat indicated Lawson would make way for the Bulgarian, although the Kiwi played down suggestions that his possible arrival could force him out of the Red Bull system.
“It’s very early days,” Lawson said ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.
“It’s been a very good season so far. We’ve enjoyed a lot, obviously a lot to learn with these cars, and we’re doing that every single weekend, and we’re in a good place, but obviously trying to keep that momentum going.
“It’s very early days for those kinds of conversations, but I’m honestly very happy, and we’re all pretty happy.”
The New Zealander has strengthened his position during the opening part of the season by scoring points in seven of the first nine rounds.
His form has continued a significant turnaround following a difficult start to the 2025 campaign, when he was dropped by Red Bull after only two races before rebuilding his confidence at Racing Bulls.
“I feel I’m in a good place, I feel like I’ve learned a lot over the last 12 months,” Lawson said in Austria.
“Things are working well at the moment.”
Lindblad has also impressed during his rookie campaign, leaving Racing Bulls with two drivers capable of consistently challenging near the front of the midfield.
The pair helped the team record four consecutive double points finishes heading into the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, lifting Racing Bulls to sixth in the constructors’ championship and within one point of Alpine.
Permane acknowledged the team may eventually need to manage the rivalry between Lawson and Lindblad as both continue to push for their futures within the Red Bull structure.
“It’s good to have two quick guys, that’s for sure,” he said.
“I’m sure there’ll be some management needed.
“They’re incredibly close – I think if you look at this morning, their ideal laps are separated by milliseconds, so it’s going to be nip and tuck all year.”
Permane added that preparing Lawson and Lindblad for a potential promotion to Red Bull Racing remained one of the team’s key responsibilities, particularly if an opening became available alongside or in place of Max Verstappen.
“I think that’s the goal of both our guys, for sure. And the goal of mine and our team is to develop drivers for that team,” he said.
“I think going to specifics is far more questionable than we’re on. But I think we need to put them both in a position that they’re ready to do that.
“And if and when [we need] another driver, [we’ve got] one or two to choose from.”
Both drivers will start in the top 10 for the Belgian Grand Prix, with Lindblad starting seventh and Lawson ninth.