Alan Permane Now Calls Nikola Tsolov 'Next in Line' for a Racing Bulls Seat — A Three-Week Reversal

Nikola Tsolov has gone from a rumour that Racing Bulls "haven't even discussed" to the team's "next in line" for a 2027 Formula 1 seat — in just three weeks. Here is exactly what team principal Alan Permane said at each stage, what changed, and what factors still stand between Tsolov and a full-time F1 race seat.

What Permane Said at the Belgian Grand Prix (July 18, 2026)

Speaking in the Friday press conference at Spa-Francorchamps, Alan Permane called Nikola Tsolov "next in line" for a Racing Bulls seat . He said:

"He's doing incredibly well. [...] He's now leading the championship after his great weekend at Silverstone, so 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."

Permane also confirmed that a decision on promotion is likely later this year: "We'll make a call if and when he comes up to Racing Bulls later this year."

The Shift from His Late-June Stance

In late June (around the Austrian GP, comments published June 26–27), Permane had firmly shut down similar speculation :

"We haven't spoken about it internally at all. [...] I don't know where it's come from but it's certainly not come from us."

He dismissed the reports as "just rumours" and said there had been zero internal discussion about Tsolov for 2027 . Three weeks later at Spa, he stopped denying the possibility and instead described Tsolov as "next in line" who could get the call "later this year" . This is a clear shift from firm dismissal to open acknowledgement that Tsolov is the leading candidate for a 2027 seat.

Key Factors Influencing Whether Tsolov Gets the Seat

1. Tsolov's F2 championship lead — Tsolov currently leads the F2 standings by 17 points after a clean sweep (Sprint + Feature Race wins) at Silverstone . He has four Feature Race victories this season . A title win would be the traditional gateway to promotion under the Red Bull programme.

2. Red Bull's driver pipeline dynamics

• Liam Lawson — Permane has repeatedly backed Lawson, calling him "incredible" and saying he is doing exactly what Racing Bulls require . Lawson has emerged as the team's lead driver after a difficult 2025 . However, his contract expires at the end of 2026 .
• Arvid Lindblad — Also out of contract at year-end . Permane noted the pair are separated by "milliseconds" and acknowledged that managing two close, quick drivers will require care .
• Potential Verstappen effect — If Max Verstappen were to leave Red Bull, it could trigger a chain reaction: Lawson or Lindblad promoted to the senior team alongside Isack Hadjar, freeing the Racing Bulls seat for Tsolov .

3. Timing of the decision — Permane explicitly said a decision on Tsolov's promotion will come "later this year" . Racing Bulls have not yet confirmed their 2027 line-up, leaving the door open.

4. Tsolov's lack of F1 practice running — As of late June, Tsolov had not taken part in any F1 practice sessions; Racing Bulls gave their mandatory rookie FP1 outing to Ayumu Iwasa instead . That could count against him if Red Bull values prior car experience.

5. Tsolov's current form and age — At 19 years old (born December 2006), he is completing only his first full F2 season. His six wins so far this year have made him the clear standout in the Red Bull junior programme .

Bottom Line

Tsolov's dominant F2 campaign and the expiry of both Lawson's and Lindblad's contracts at year-end create a realistic promotion window. Permane's Belgian GP comments — calling him "next in line" and flagging a decision "later this year" — mark a material softening from his flat denial in June. The most likely path: if Tsolov wins the F2 title, and if Red Bull's senior team shuffles (potentially triggered by a Verstappen move), Tsolov will be the first choice for a 2027 Racing Bulls seat.