Red Bull Driver Promoted for Final Races of the Season as Decision Confirmed

Red Bull have promoted one of their junior drivers ahead of the final races of the 2025 season.

It's been a turbulent season for the Red Bull Formula One team after Liam Lawson was sacked just two races into the 2025 campaign, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping up as his replacement.

However, since his promotion from Racing Bulls, the junior team in the Red Bull racing programme, the Japanese driver has failed to impress, leading to reports that he could be replaced in 2026.

Several drivers have been linked with the second Red Bull seat next season, but it is current Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar that remains the favourite to partner Max Verstappen, should Tsunoda be dropped.

And it appears that it is not just the F1 team that is in turmoil regarding their driver lineup, as the Formula Two team have confirmed that they will be changing one of their drivers ahead of the last two races of the season.

Yuki Tsunoda is facing pressure about his future at Red Bull. (Image: Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Ahead of the penultimate race in Qatar's Lusail International Circuit, Red Bull confirmed that Nikola Tsolov will replace Spanish driver Pepe Marti for the remainder of the current campaign.

The decision comes as Red Bull are eager to give the Bulgarian youngster some experience after Marti agreed a move to join the Cupra Kiro Formula E team for next season.

Tsolov finished the Formula 3 season in second place behind champion Rafael Camara, and has been confirmed as a F2 driver for Campos Racing next year.

Despite the fact he will not be racing for them next year, Red Bull clearly are happy to give Tsolov a chance to prove himself against young superstar Arvid Lindblad, likely as part of a long-term plan to bring the 18-year-old back into the team if he performs well.

Nikola Tsolov will race for Red Bull in the final F2 races. (Image: James Sutton - Formula 1/Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty Images)

Speaking after the change was confirmed, the Red Bull junior said: "It’s a pleasant surprise to be making my FIA Formula 2 debut already this year for the final two rounds!

"I’m very grateful to Campos Racing and Red Bull for their trust and for giving me this opportunity. I’ve been working extremely hard and feel ready to take this step. I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible and gaining valuable experience ahead of 2026.”