The Bulgarian Lion Roars: Nikola Tsolov’s First F3 Interview and the Rise of a Motorsport Nation

Alright, F1 fam, buckle up! If you’re Bulgarian, you’re probably still wiping away tears of joy. If you’re not, you’re about to understand why the entire motorsport world is buzzing about a kid from Sofia who just made history. Today, we’re diving deep into the story of Nikola Tsolov—his first emotional F3 interview, the journey that brought him here, and what it means for Bulgarian motorsport. Spoiler: this is not just another “talented rookie” story. This is the birth of a legend. 🇧🇬🦁

From Sofia Streets to Monaco Glory: The Making of a Bulgarian Motorsport Hero

Let’s rewind. Bulgaria isn’t exactly the first country you think of when you hear Formula 1 or Formula 3. In fact, before Nikola Tsolov, the list of Bulgarians in top-level single-seaters was… well, basically empty. Sure, there were a few rally drivers and the odd GP2 appearance, but F1? F3? Nada. That all changed when a karting-obsessed kid from Sofia started winning everything in sight.

Nikola Tsolov’s journey is the stuff of Netflix documentaries. Born in 2006, he was tearing up karting tracks by age nine, racking up national titles in Bulgaria before taking on the European scene. By 2019, he was winning the Italian WSK Open Cup, and soon after, he caught the eye of none other than Fernando Alonso. Yes, THAT Alonso. The two even shared a car at the Dubai 24 Hours, finishing third. Not bad for a teenager, right?

But the real turning point came in 2022, when Tsolov absolutely dominated the Spanish F4 Championship—13 wins in 21 races. That’s not just good, that’s “future world champion” good. Alpine snapped him up for their Academy, and suddenly, Bulgaria had a real shot at the big leagues.

The Lion’s First Roar: Tsolov’s Historic F3 Win and Emotional Interview

Fast forward to 2025. Tsolov is now a household name in Bulgaria and a rising star in the F3 paddock. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. His rookie F3 season in 2023 was tough—lots of hype, but the results didn’t come easy. The jump from F4 to F3 is brutal (just ask any engineer or driver), and Tsolov had to learn the hard way. But he kept grinding, kept improving, and by 2024, he was ready to pounce.

And pounce he did. In Monaco—arguably the most iconic circuit in motorsport—Tsolov made history. Not only did he become the first Bulgarian to win an F3 race, but he did it in style: pole position, flawless start, and total domination despite multiple safety cars and red flags.

It’s just a great feeling when I was hearing the national anthem. I think all the Bulgarians around here had tears in our eyes because it’s history being made, and hopefully there’s many more to come.

Nikola Tsolov, Feeder Series Interview

You can relive the emotion and see the full interview here:
Read the full Feeder Series interview

The Helmet, the Lion, and the Flag: Why Tsolov’s Story Hits Different

Let’s talk about symbolism for a second. Tsolov’s helmet isn’t just a piece of safety gear—it’s a statement. White, green, and red for the Bulgarian flag, and the words “Bulgarian Lion” emblazoned on the back. The nickname stuck from his karting days, and now it’s become a rallying cry for fans back home.

I’m very proud because nobody from my country has done anything like this at this level. I’m really happy to represent them and hopefully be the first Bulgarian Formula 1 driver, so that would be my dream.

Nikola Tsolov, FIA Formula 3 Interview

Check out the full story behind his helmet design (and some epic photos):
The Bulgarian Lion: Nikola Tsolov on the story behind his helmet design

Monaco 2025: The Race That Changed Everything

Alright, let’s get technical for a second (engineer mode: ON). Monaco is a beast of a circuit—tight, twisty, and absolutely unforgiving. Qualifying is everything, and Tsolov nailed it, grabbing pole with a lap that had the paddock buzzing. In the race, he launched perfectly, controlled every restart, and even set the fastest lap on the penultimate tour. That’s how you win in Monaco, folks.

But it wasn’t just about raw speed. Tsolov showed maturity beyond his years, managing tire temperatures, keeping his cool through multiple safety cars, and never letting the pressure get to him. When the checkered flag dropped, he was 7.2 seconds clear of second place. That’s not just a win—that’s a statement.

Here’s how the top 10 finished in that unforgettable Monaco race:

Full race report and more details:
Bulgaria’s Nikola Tsolov Dominates Monaco’s F3 Grand Prix, Closes Championship Gap

The Bulgarian Motorsport Revolution: Why This Matters

Let’s be real—motorsport in Bulgaria has always been a bit of an underdog story. No F1 drivers, no big teams, not even a permanent international circuit. But Tsolov’s success is changing that. Suddenly, Bulgarian kids are dreaming of racing in Monaco, not just watching it on TV. Sponsors are paying attention. The national anthem is playing on the world stage.

And it’s not just about one win. Tsolov’s victory catapulted him to third in the F3 championship, just 16 points off the leader. The dream of seeing a Bulgarian in Formula 1? It’s no longer a fantasy—it’s a real possibility.

I’ve always been really supportive of Bulgaria and they’ve been really supportive of me. I’m just really proud to be Bulgarian and represent my country.

Nikola Tsolov, Feeder Series Interview

Engineering the Future: What Makes Tsolov Special?

Okay, let’s nerd out for a second. What sets Tsolov apart isn’t just his speed—it’s his adaptability and technical feedback. Engineers rave about his ability to get “in the rhythm” quickly, especially on tricky circuits like Monaco. He’s not just a driver; he’s a future team leader.

From switching tire compounds at the perfect moment to managing brake references in a new F3 car, Tsolov’s technical growth has been insane. As he said after topping the timesheets in Monte Carlo practice:

I did a decent last lap, one that I thought was good enough, so I’m happy to be up there. It just gives me confidence for tomorrow and even more than before FP, because I already felt comfortable after last year, but I’m quite happy.

Nikola Tsolov, FIA Formula 3 Interview

Read more about his practice heroics:
Tsolov pleased to be in a ‘rhythm’ after setting the pace in Monte Carlo

The Road Ahead: F1 Dreams and Bulgarian Pride

So, what’s next for the Bulgarian Lion? With his F3 win in Monaco, Tsolov has put himself firmly on the radar of F1 teams. He’s already part of the Alpine Academy, and with performances like this, you can bet the phone calls from team principals are coming.

But more than that, he’s inspired a nation. Bulgarian motorsport is on the rise, and Tsolov is leading the charge. Whether he makes it to F1 or not (and let’s be honest, it’s looking more likely every day), he’s already changed the game.

Want to know more about his journey and stats? Check out his Red Bull Athlete Profile:
Nikola Tsolov: F3 Racer – Red Bull Athlete Profile

#fyp

If you want to go even deeper, here are some must-see links and articles to keep your motorsport obsession going:

• Tsolov makes Bulgarian racing history with maiden F3 victory
• The Bulgarian Lion: Nikola Tsolov on the story behind his helmet design
• Bulgaria’s Nikola Tsolov Dominates Monaco’s F3 Grand Prix, Closes Championship Gap
• Tsolov pleased to be in a ‘rhythm’ after setting the pace in Monte Carlo
• Nikola Tsolov: F3 Racer – Red Bull Athlete Profile