Nikola Tsolov Makes His Formula 2 Debut with Campos Racing in Qatar

This weekend, Nikola Tsolov is set to begin his journey in Formula 2 with Campos Racing in Qatar. After an impressive season in Formula 3, where he finished as the runner-up, Tsolov is eager to make an impact in the next tier of motorsport. The young driver, who is part of the Red Bull Junior Team, recently shared insights about his transition to Formula 2 and the teams that have played a significant role in his racing career.

A Promising Start in Formula 3

Tsolov entered his third season in Formula 3 with high expectations. At just 18 years old, he was determined to secure the championship title. His ambition was fueled by a pivotal moment at the end of the previous season when he joined the Red Bull Junior Team, during which he received a direct challenge from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.

Reflecting on the pressure he felt, Tsolov recounted a crucial meeting with Marko shortly after a race at Monza. "We were discussing my potential move to Campos Racing, and then unexpectedly, I had this meeting with Helmut," he explained. "He told me, ‘Next year is no joke. You need to win, and that’s the only thing you need to do.’ I assured him that I was ready to accept that challenge, and I’m grateful for the opportunity."

Despite his determination and hard work, Tsolov narrowly missed out on the championship, finishing in second place behind rookie sensation Rafael Câmara, who clinched the title early in Hungary. Nevertheless, his efforts did not go unnoticed. With Pepe Martí, the regular driver for Campos Racing, moving to Formula E, Tsolov received an early promotion to the team’s Formula 2 lineup for the final two rounds of the season, setting the stage for a full campaign in 2026.

Navigating Challenges Mid-Season

Tsolov’s journey throughout the Formula 3 season was not without its challenges. He began the year strong, winning the feature race in Monaco and securing three additional podium finishes, which placed him just 26 points behind Câmara at the midpoint of the season. However, the latter half of the season proved to be tumultuous. A disqualification from a victory in Austria due to a plank wear infringement and a disastrous race in Great Britain, where he dropped from pole position to 20th place, significantly impacted his standings.

The introduction of a new car for the F3 season posed additional hurdles for both Tsolov and Campos Racing. Having previously achieved success in Spanish F4, where he won the championship, Tsolov was now facing the complexities of adapting to a new vehicle while also working to establish a strong rapport with the Campos team.

“It’s a new car, and as a third-year driver, you’re expected to perform well. If the car isn’t competitive, it can be detrimental,” Tsolov noted. “We dedicated a lot of time this season to ensure the car was in optimal condition. I’m thankful for the engineers who worked tirelessly, foregoing a winter break to refine the vehicle.”

This collaborative effort bore fruit as Campos Racing ultimately secured the teams’ championship, with Tsolov playing a vital role in the success alongside teammates Mari Boya and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak. Their remarkable one-two finish in the final round solidified the team’s historic achievement.

Familiar Faces and Team Dynamics

One of the advantages Tsolov had upon returning to Campos Racing was the presence of familiar faces within the team. He expressed gratitude for reuniting with his engineer from Spanish F4, José Perez, which allowed for a smoother transition. “We didn’t need much time to get back into our rhythm, which was crucial for our performance,” he shared.

The dynamics within the team also contributed to their success. Campos Racing had historically struggled in the F3 championship, never finishing higher than fourth place. However, under Tsolov’s leadership and with collective effort, the team showcased significant progress, moving from the back of the pack to contention for the championship title.

Reflecting on his early achievements, Tsolov’s rapid ascent in racing began when he was just 15 years old. He won 13 races in Spanish F4, including an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories. Transitioning to F3, however, was challenging. Despite the expectation of immediate success, Tsolov faced difficulties, finishing 22nd in his debut season and struggling to find his footing in the competitive environment.

Looking back, he pondered whether he would have approached his career differently. “It’s hard to say,” he admitted. “Everything happens for a reason. If I had entered the series later, I might not have been with Red Bull or Campos. I believe my journey has been beneficial, as I’m gaining valuable experience at a young age.”

The Importance of Testing and Preparation

One significant factor that Tsolov identified as a challenge during his early seasons was the lack of testing opportunities. “In my first year, I didn’t have the budget to test extensively, which made it difficult to adapt to the car and learn effectively throughout the season,” he explained. “Even in my second year, I faced similar issues. If I had had more testing, I believe my performance would have improved significantly.”

Now, as he embarks on his Formula 2 journey, Tsolov is eager to continue learning and developing his skills. The partnership with Red Bull and Campos Racing has provided him with a conducive environment for growth, especially given his proximity to the team’s base in Alzira, Spain.

“I’ve become more dedicated this year,” he stated. “I’m more involved in the sport, and that has made a difference. Working with Red Bull has opened many doors for me. They provide thorough training and simulations, allowing me to learn from experienced engineers and develop a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of racing.”

Embracing the Future in Formula 2

As Tsolov prepares for his debut in Formula 2, he acknowledges the significance of this opportunity. With the support of the Campos and Red Bull teams, he feels ready to face the challenges ahead. The combination of his youthful energy and newfound experience positions him well to make a mark in the competitive world of Formula 2 racing.

“I approach each day at the workshop with the intention of learning something new,” Tsolov shared. “Observing how established drivers like Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri operate has been enlightening. There’s an endless amount of knowledge to gain from the technical side of racing.”

In conclusion, Tsolov’s journey from a promising young driver in Spanish F4 to his upcoming debut in Formula 2 is a testament to his skill, determination, and the support of his team. As he steps onto the track in Qatar, all eyes will be on him as he strives to make his mark in the next chapter of his racing career.