Nikola Tsolov Completes First Formula 1 Test With Racing Bulls at Imola

Nikola Tsolov reached a major milestone in his career this week, completing his first Formula 1 test with Racing Bulls at Imola.

Driving the VCARB02 as part of the team’s Testing of Previous Cars programme, Nikola covered almost 700 kilometres around the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari. Across the day, he and the team worked through a full programme, using 12 sets of new tyres and completing a wide range of procedures.

For Nikola, it was a hugely productive day, but also a deeply personal moment.

“It’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life, every single day, ever since I started racing,” he said. “To be able to achieve this is a huge milestone for me. It’s just a small bite from the whole plate, from the whole dream that is Formula 1.”

A Full Day of Running at Imola

The test ran smoothly from start to finish, with Nikola and the team completing more mileage than originally planned. The programme included long runs, procedural work, tyre usage and different phases designed to help him understand the demands of a Formula 1 car.

“We did 700 kilometres, even more than we thought we could and planned,” Nikola explained. “Everything ran really smoothly, just as planned, and we ticked every box. Overall it was really productive and really positive.”

The distance covered was close to two full race distances in a single day, making it a demanding physical and mental test for any driver, especially on a first proper day in Formula 1 machinery.

“A little exhausted after the day, but I’m happy I managed to hold on at such distance,” he said. “We did two race distances in one day, more than we thought I could. So very positive overall.”

First Feeling in a Formula 1 Car

Beyond the programme itself, the day was also about Nikola adapting to the speed, grip and intensity of a Formula 1 car.

The first impression was unforgettable.

“The car felt like I was driving in a video game,” Nikola said. “There was so much grip, so exciting.”

Despite the jump from Formula 2, he was pleased with how quickly he settled in. After the first runs, the feeling inside the car became more natural, allowing him to build confidence and start pushing step by step.

“I was surprised I didn’t really waste much time getting used to it,” he explained. “Already from the first or second run I felt pretty comfortable with the car and just started pushing it more and more.”

Calm Environment, Clear Progress

A key part of the day was the environment created around him by Racing Bulls and the Red Bull Junior Team. With a full programme to work through, the focus was on staying calm, building rhythm and achieving each target in order.

“The team created a very good environment for me to be calm and take everything step by step,” Nikola said. “We managed to achieve every goal we set.”

That impression was shared by Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane, who described the test as a really positive step in Nikola’s development. He highlighted how quickly Nikola adapted to the car and the composure he showed during his first experience in Formula 1 machinery.

Permane also pointed to the wider purpose of the programme, explaining that days like this are part of the team’s development pathway for junior drivers, giving them the mileage, tools and environment needed to progress.

For Nikola, the opportunity was another important step on the pathway he is building through the Red Bull Junior Team.

“A big thank you to VCARB and obviously the Red Bull Junior Team for the opportunity they gave me,” he said.

A Milestone, But Full Focus Remains on Formula 2

The Imola test was an important career moment, but Nikola made it clear that his immediate focus remains on finishing the Formula 2 season strongly.

After a standout campaign so far, the priority is to keep building on the pace, consistency and results already achieved in F2.

“I’m really looking forward to hopefully getting another opportunity in the future,” Nikola said. “But now my full focus is on Formula 2 and keeping up our strong pace and results there.”

For Nikola, the test was not the end goal. It was a first taste of the next level and a reminder of what he is working towards.

A first full Formula 1 test, almost 700 kilometres, a smooth programme and another important step forward.

Now the focus returns to Formula 2.

“Let’s keep chopping at it.”