Nikola Tsolov Featured in The Sun's Shortlist of Future Formula 1 Stars

Bulgarian Formula 2 driver Nikola Tsolov has been named in The Sun's shortlist of rising talents tipped to become the next big stars in Formula 1. The feature comes shortly after 20-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli made F1 history by becoming the youngest world champion of all time, crossing the line in Mexico where he was hoisted onto the shoulders of legends Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

With the Mercedes driver reaching the pinnacle of motorsport and dethroning McLaren's 2025 champion Lando Norris, the spotlight turns to the next wave of talent ready to take over the grid.

Rafael Câmara

Brazilian racer Rafael Câmara has already secured a Formula 1 seat with Haas for 2027. The 21-year-old Ferrari Driver Academy prospect leads the Formula 2 championship heading into the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Uniquely, Câmara races with contact lenses due to myopia and astigmatism. He could make his F1 debut as early as next week amid ongoing uncertainty around Esteban Ocon, who was let go by the team in Mexico.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu revealed that during testing in Portugal, Câmara outpaced Jack Doohan, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Ryo Hirakawa—the latter having scored points during his surprise outing in Mexico City.

Ugo Ugochukwu

Much like Antonelli, Ugo Ugochukwu made history by becoming the first American driver to claim the Formula 3 title, earning personal congratulations from Hamilton back in September. The 19-year-old stands out not only for his raw speed but also his towering 193 cm frame. While many with that height might look to basketball, Ugochukwu has his sights firmly set on the pinnacle of motorsport. If he reaches Formula 1, he would become the tallest driver in the championship's history. The American is expected to join the Red Bull Junior Team ahead of his step up to Formula 2.

Freddie Slater

British prodigy Freddie Slater made his FP1 debut for Audi over the weekend, describing the opportunity as a dream come true. The 18-year-old from Stratford-upon-Avon enjoyed a record-breaking Italian F4 campaign before claiming the UAE F4 title. Slater, whose father owns cosmetics brand Baylis & Harding, also triumphed in Formula Regional European Championship and previously beat out Ugochukwu and F1 rookie Arvid Lindblad in multiple karting showdowns between 2020 and 2021.

Nikola Tsolov

Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov sits second in the Formula 2 standings behind Câmara, putting serious pressure on Liam Lawson for a race seat at Racing Bulls.

The Campos Racing standout also took part in Free Practice 1 in Mexico, though he suffered a minor foot injury while climbing out of the car. The 19-year-old Bulgarian is a Spanish F4 champion, spent two years racing for Fernando Alonso's karting outfit, and joined Red Bull in 2025 after spending 2022 to 2024 with the Alpine Academy.

Leonardo Fornaroli

Reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli joined McLaren's driver development programme in December 2025. The 21-year-old Italian was among the young drivers who featured in practice in Mexico and is set to take part in Brazil as well. Fornaroli linked up with McLaren ahead of their planned 2027 entry into the World Endurance Championship. Earlier in his career, he won the Formula Regional European Championship in 2022 and became the first driver to secure the Formula 3 title without winning a single race.