Nikola Tsolov

The Bulgarian lion (a nickname that he gained early in his career)[https://www.dnes.bg/obshtestvo/2021/10/07/momche-ot-bylgariia-s-realni-shansove-da-byde-pilot-ot-formula-1.506150 Момче от България с реални шансове да бъде пилот от Формула 1] started his karting career in 2016, supported by his father Dimitar.[https://forbesbulgaria.com/2022/07/07/%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%8F%D1%82-%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86/ Талантливият новобранец] He became Republican champion in 2016 and 2017 in the Bulgarian Mini class.

In 2018 he moved to the Italian championships.{{Cite web |title=Българчето, което впечатли легендата Фернандо Алонсо |url=https://fakti.bg/sport/645507-balgarcheto-koeto-vpechatli-legendata-fernando-alonso |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Fakti.bg - Да извадим фактите наяве |language=bg}} He won the WSK Open Cup in 60 Mini karts in 2019.{{Cite web |title=ЗВЕЗДА В КАРТИНГА: Никола Цолов - 12-годишният световен шампион от България |url=https://nova.bg/news/view/2019/12/01/270316/%D0%B7%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%B7%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D0%B2-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B0-%D1%86%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2-12-%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%88%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F%D1%82-%D1%81%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD-%D1%88%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD-%D0%BE%D1%82-%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=nova.bg |language=bulgarian}} He the came seventh in the CIK-FIA World Championship in OKJ in 2020, and was second in the 2021 WSK Final Cup in OK, driving for DPK Racing as part of Fernando Alonso's FA Racing team.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Ida |date=2021-12-26 |title=The top karting stars of 2021 |url=https://formulascout.com/the-top-karting-stars-of-2021/87915 |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}} Tsolov was invited by Alonso to drive alongside him in the 2021 edition of 24h Endurance race in Dubai, where they finished 3rd.{{Cite web |last=Поповска |first=Михаела |date=2019-02-13 |title=15-годишен прославя България в картинга в отбора на Алонсо |url=https://trud.bg/a/articles/15-%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%8F-%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%B2-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B0-%D0%B2-%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BE |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=trud.bg |language=bg}}{{Cite web |title=Никола Цолов: Искам да съм първият българин във Формула 1 |url=https://bnr.bg/horizont/post/101583000/talantat-nikola-colov-iskam-da-sam-parviat-balgarin-vav-formula-1 |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=bnr.bg |language=bg}}

After competing for Fernando Alonso's karting team for two years, Tsolov became one of the first drivers to join A14 Management along with Clément Novalak.{{Cite web |last=FormulaRapida.net |date=2022-03-03 |title=Alonso starts A14 management; reveals Novalak & Tsolov as first signings |url=https://formularapida.net/en/alonso-starts-a14-management-reveals-novalak-tsolov-as-first-signings/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=FormulaRapida.net |language=en-US}} Tsolov joined the F4 Spanish Championship for 2022 with Campos.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-10 |title=Bulgaria's Nikola Tsolov joins Campos Racing in Spanish F4 - Formula 2 |url=https://www.insidef2.com/bulgarias-nikola-tsolov-joins-campos-racing-in-spanish-f4/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |language=en-GB}} He started the season at Algarve with a double pole.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Ida |date=2022-04-30 |title=Nikola Tsolov starts Spanish F4 season at Algarve with double pole |url=https://formulascout.com/nikola-tsolov-starts-spanish-f4-season-at-algarve-with-double-pole/92921 |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}} In the first race he unfortunately finished 14th after a problem at the start, but he finished in fifth in the second race and won the third, along with setting the fastest lap in every race.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Ida |date=2022-05-01 |title=Alonso protege Nikola Tsolov wins in first weekend in cars in Spanish F4 |url=https://formulascout.com/alonso-protege-nikola-tsolov-wins-in-first-weekend-in-cars-in-spanish-f4/93023 |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}} He kept the good pace in the second round at the Circuito de Jerez by setting a pole position and a fastest lap in all three races, finishing second in the first race and winning second and third races, which took him to the lead of the championship.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-29 |title=Nikola Tsolov se confirma como favorito en la segunda cita de la Fórmula 4 |url=https://www.thebestf1.es/nikola-tsolov-confirma-como-favorito-segunda-cita-formula-4/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=TheBestF1.es}} The next weekend at Circuit Ricardo Tormo he dominated the field, winning all three starts along with two pole-positions and another three fastest laps.{{Cite web |last=topsport.bg |date=2022-06-12 |title=Никола Цолов с четвърта поредна победа във Формула 4 |url=https://topsport.bg/formula1/nikola-tsolov-s-chetvarta-poredna-pobeda-vav-formula-4.html |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Topsport.bg |language=bulgarian}} Tsolov secured his championship win on 2 October, after finishing second in the third race at Circuito de Navarra, winning the title three races before the end of season.{{Cite web |title=Никола Цолов стана шампион на Формула 4 Испания |url=https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/sport/337378-nikola-tsolov-stana-shampion-na-formula-4-ispaniya |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=www.bta.bg |language=bg}}

In February 2023, Tsolov took part in the last round of 2023 Formula Regional Middle East Championship driving for R&B Racing by GRS, as part of his preparation for Formula 3 season.{{Cite web |last=Димов |first=Мирослав |date=2023-02-17 |title=Никола Цолов ще вземе участие в три старта на Яс Марина |url=https://clubs1.bg/news/nikola-czolov-sthe-vzeme-uchastie-v-tri-starta-na-yas-marina/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=ClubS1.bg |language=bg-BG}} In the first race of the weekend he finished in 9th place, finished 6th place in the second race and 15th in the third one. He was the only driver to score points for R&B Racing in the championship.{{Cite web |last=Actualno.com |date=2023-02-19 |title=Никола Цолов завърши 15-ти в Абу Даби |url=https://www.actualno.com/motosport/nikola-colov-zavyrshi-15-ti-v-abu-dabi-news_1908903.html |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Actualno.com |language=bg}}

File:FIA F3 Austria 2023 Nr. 9 Zolow (1).jpg during the 2023 Spielberg Formula 3 round]]

In September 2022, Tsolov took part in the FIA Formula 3 post-season test, driving for ART Grand Prix.{{Cite web|title=Formula 3 returns to action with post-season testing in Jerez|date= 20 September 2022|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/3OrwkHqGy8GUOqEQnmQDT2/formula-3-returns-to-action-with-post-season-testing-in-jerez|access-date=20 September 2022|website=FIA_Formula 3 – The Official F3 Website|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Jerez post-season testing Day 2 entry list|date=21 September 2022|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/1PumIQq3VXG9xdujzt4u7U/jerez-post-season-testing-day-2-entry-list|access-date=23 September 2022|website=FIA_Formula 3 – The Official F3 Website|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Jerez post-season testing Day 3 entry list|date=22 September 2022|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/263AL5rKdQIzUdm0BOxc2F/jerez-post-season-testing-day-3-entry-list|access-date=23 September 2022|website=FIA_Formula 3 – The Official F3 Website|language=en}} On 19 December it was announced that he would be one of ART Grand Prix drivers for the 2023 season.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Fergal |date=2022-12-19 |title=Spanish F4 champion Tsolov joins ART GP in F3 |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/12/19/spanish-f4-champion-tsolov-joins-art-gp-in-f3/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Motorsport Week |language=en-GB}} Tsolov scored two points finishes in the sprint races in Spa-Francorchamps and Monza. He finished the season in 22nd place.

File:70th MACAU GRAND PRIX (115).jpg]]

File:FIA F3 Austria 2024 Nr. 25 Tsolov.jpg during the 2024 Spielberg Formula 3 round]]

ART Grand Prix retained Tsolov for the 2024 season.{{Cite web|title=ART Grand Prix confirm Nikola Tsolov for 2024 season|date=10 February 2024|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/3Mi9ePfoo82bDbO62R0BtM/art-grand-prix-confirm-nikola-tsolov-for-2024-season|access-date=11 February 2024|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}}

His first victory came in Monaco, where he won the sprint race.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Will |date=2024-05-25 |title=Alpine junior Tsolov cruises to first F3 win at Monaco after pile-up at start |url=https://www.racefans.net/2024/05/25/alpine-junior-tsolov-cruises-to-first-f3-win-at-monaco-after-pile-up-at-start/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=RaceFans |language=en-GB}} He was the first Bulgarian driver to win a race in the series.{{Cite web |last=Turner |first=Tori |date=2025-05-15 |title=How F3 drivers are preparing for three back-to-back European rounds |url=https://feederseries.net/2025/05/15/how-f3-drivers-are-preparing-for-three-back-to-back-european-rounds/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Feeder Series |language=en}} His second win of the season came in the sprint race in round 6 of the championship in Spielberg,{{Cite web |title=F3: Tsolov wins frantic Spielberg Sprint Race |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/f3-tsolov-earns-second-win-of-2024-in-frantic-spielberg-sprint-race.1okcHQ4vLx5FyKaicP5oYH |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} and he took a third in the Hungary feature race.{{Cite news |title=F3 Hungary: Tsolov wins as title leaders flounder |url=https://www.autosport.com/fia-f3/news/f3-hungary-feature-race/10636977/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250122144853/https://www.autosport.com/fia-f3/news/f3-hungary-feature-race/10636977/ |archive-date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-14 |language=en}} Tsolov would miss the round at Spa-Francorchamps due to racing there in Eurocup-3 because of the rule that you cannot drive at an circuit on the F3 or F2 calendar if you race there earlier in the year. Because Tsolov was barred from competing, he was replaced by Tuukka Taponen.{{Cite web|title=Tsolov's maiden F3 win in Monaco 'a step out the hole I've been stuck in'|date=25 May 2024|url=https://formulascout.com/tsolovs-maiden-f3-win-in-monaco-a-step-out-the-hole-ive-been-stuck-in/119253|access-date=3 June 2024|website=Formula Scout|language=en}} He finished the season in 11th overall.

Tsolov returned to Campos Racing, the team he won the 2022 F4 Spanish Championship with, for his third Formula 3 season for 2025, partnering Mari Boya and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak.{{Cite web|title=Campos Racing sign Nikola Tsolov for the 2025 Formula 3 season|date=5 November 2024|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/6Cwb5UK7LTA6OA3AWcVgFk/campos-racing-sign-nikola-tsolov-for-the-2025-formula-3-season|access-date=6 November 2024|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} He took his first win of the season in Bahrain, equalling the record for most wins in the series.{{Cite web |last=Spadi |first=Daniele |date=2025-04-12 |title=Tsolov fends off debuting Slater for record-tying fourth F3 win in Sakhir |url=https://feederseries.net/2025/04/12/tsolov-fends-off-debuting-slater-for-record-tying-fourth-f3-win-in-sakhir/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Feeder Series |language=en}} In Monaco, Tsolov took his maiden F3 pole position, topping the Group A session ahead of teammate Boya.{{Cite web |last=Spadi |first=Daniele |date=2025-05-23 |title=Tsolov shines in Monaco to claim dominant maiden F3 pole |url=https://feederseries.net/2025/05/23/tsolov-shines-in-monaco-to-claim-dominant-maiden-f3-pole/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Feeder Series |language=en}} He went on to win the feature race, making him the first driver to win five races in FIA Formula 3.{{Cite web |last=Spadi |first=Daniele |date=2025-05-25 |title=Tsolov says he ‘couldn’t feel any better’ after breaking F3 win record |url=https://feederseries.net/2025/05/25/tsolov-says-he-couldnt-feel-any-better-after-breaking-f3-win-record/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=Feeder Series |language=en}}

Shortly after his FIA Formula 3 season, Tsolov contested in the 2023 Eurocup-3 season with GRS Team. He entered 2 of the 8 rounds, finishing the championship in 10th place with two podiums.{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Ida|date=21 September 2023|title=GRS to run all-new Eurocup-3 line-up and Spanish F4 debutants at Jerez|url=https://formulascout.com/grs-to-run-all-new-eurocup-3-line-up-and-spanish-f4-debutants-at-jerez/111500|access-date=23 September 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}}

Alongside his FIA Formula 3 campaign, Tsolov signed with GRS Team to compete in the full 2024 Eurocup-3 season.{{Cite web|last=Alonso Lopez|first=Alejandro|date=16 April 2024|title=Nikola Tsolov and Isaac Barashi to race for GRS in Eurocup-3|url=https://formulascout.com/nikola-tsolov-and-isaac-barashi-to-race-for-grs-in-eurocup-3/117787|access-date=30 May 2024|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} He finished 11th in the championship with only one podium.

In the 2025 off-season, Tsolov competed in one round of the 2025 Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship with Campos Racing.{{cite web|last=Spanish Winter Championship|date=6 February 2025|title=Here are the drivers that will take part of the first ever round of the #SpanishWinterChampionship|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DFszO03xagn/|website=Instagram}} He finished races one and two in fourth place, and retired from race three. He finished 12th in the standings with 22 points.

Tsolov became a member of the Alpine Affiliate programme in March 2022.[https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/03/09/alpine-launches-new-affiliate-driver-programme/ Alpine launches new ‘Affiliate’ driver programme] On 14 February 2023 he was promoted to a full member of Alpine Academy.{{Cite web|title=Mini and Tsolov join Alpine Academy for 2023 season|date=14 February 2023|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/5zPRKSafty78mgYZugp1XQ/mini-and-tsolov-join-alpine-academy-for-2023-season|access-date=14 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3 – The Official F3 Website|language=en}} On 4 November 2024, Tsolov announced on social media that he would leave the academy with immediate effect.{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Ida|date=5 November 2024|title=Nikola Tsolov announces departure from Alpine Academy|url=https://formulascout.com/nikola-tsolov-announces-departure-from-alpine-academy/125501|access-date=5 November 2024|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}}

However, just a day later, he was announced to be joining the Red Bull Junior Team for 2025.{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Ida|date=6 November 2024|title=Red Bull add Niklas Schaufler and Nikola Tsolov to junior team for 2025|url=https://formulascout.com/red-bull-add-schaufler-and-tsolov-to-junior-team-for-2025/125523|access-date=6 November 2024|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}}

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

{{dagger}} – Driver did not finish the race but was classified, as he completed more than 90% of the race distance.

{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate points for the fastest lap of top ten finishers)

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!style="background:#DFDFDF;"| 2nd*

!style="background:#DFDFDF;"| 79*

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{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

{{Reflist}}

• {{DriverDB driver|nikola-tsolov}}

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{{S-sports}}

{{Succession box

| title = F4 Spanish Championship
Champion

| years = 2022

| before = Dilano van 't Hoff

| after = Théophile Naël

}}

{{S-end}}

{{FIA Formula 3 Championship teams}}

{{Campos Racing}}

{{RBR}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tsolov, Nikola}}

Category:2006 births

Category:Living people

Category:Sportspeople from Sofia

Category:Bulgarian racing drivers

Category:Spanish F4 Championship drivers

Category:Campos Racing drivers

Category:FA Racing drivers

Category:Karting World Championship drivers

Category:FIA Formula 3 Championship drivers

Category:ART Grand Prix drivers

Category:Formula Regional Middle East Championship drivers

Category:Eurocup-3 drivers

Category:21st-century Bulgarian sportsmen