Red Bull Junior Team driver, Nikola Tsolov, has marked a milestone in his racing career today, driving a Formula One car for the first time at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy.

Driving the VCARB 02, Nikola completed a 690km Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, marking another important stage in his development as part of the Red Bull Junior Programme (RBJP).

Nikola Tsolov of Bulgaria and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls prepares to drive in the garage during promotional filming activities at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on August 27, 2026 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //

Racing Bulls serves as the talent incubator and launch pad for the sport’s next generation of talent, with a proven record of developing future Formula One stars. With Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel among the most successful graduates, the 2026 grid currently has 7 drivers competing who have all started their careers within the program.

Nikola Tsolov: “First TPC day in a Formula 1 car done, and I’m super happy with how today went. I really enjoyed every lap and it’s difficult to put into words what it means to finally get this opportunity. A massive thank you to VCARB and the Red Bull Junior Team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. It’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life, so to finally experience it is pretty incredible. I still don’t think I’ve fully comprehended what we achieved today, but I enjoyed every lap and hopefully I’ll get the chance to add some more kilometers soon.”

Alan Permane, Team Principal: “Today was a really positive step for Nikola. He adapted quickly to the car and showed the composure you want to see from a driver taking on an F1 car for the first time. The outing is part of the ongoing development plan the team runs for its junior drivers, giving them the tools, the mileage, and the environment to develop. We’ve seen time and again what this pathway can produce, and it’s days like today that are part of how we keep building it.”