Oliver Goethe was afforded the opportunity to move up to Formula 2 this year perhaps earlier than anticipated.
The 19-year-old was drafted in to replace Franco Colapinto at MP Motorsport in Formula 2 for the remainder of the 2024 season, after the Argentine received a promotion to Formula 1 to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams.
Goethe had been competing in his sophomore year in Formula 3 with Campos Racing. After an inconsistent 2023 with Trident, the 19-year-old finished outside the points only three times in nine rounds and secured three podiums, including a win in the Sprint Race at Imola.
Goethe went into the final round at Monza with a very slim, but mathematical chance of winning the F3 title, but was promoted to F2 that weekend after Colapinto signed for Williams.
Oliver Goethe’s attitude reminds Helmut Marko of James Hunt
Stepping into the MP Motorsport car for the rest of the 2024 campaign has not been smooth for Goethe so far, with his Sprint Race at Monza and the Feature Race at Baku ending before the first corner.
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Speaking with Motorsport-Total.com, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko discussed the German talent in the junior categories and how likely they are to reach F1.
Marko stressed that Goethe’s opportunity to race in F2 was made possible by Colapinto’s promotion and that “this would not have happened otherwise.”
Marko has also pointed out that Goethe needs to improve and that Red Bull would like to work on his attitude, which is “like a colourful young dog” according to the Austrian.
Furthermore, “in terms of approach”, to Marko, Goethe comes across like Eddie Irvine or James Hunt, “but not with this intensity.”
He added: “I have very positive approaches, but at some point he has to show seriousness.”
Speaking more generally about the other German talent in F2 and F3, Marko emphasized that F3 driver Tim Tramnitz “has the same chances” as Goethe of reaching F1 as they both raced against each other most of this season.
Can Oliver Goethe remain in Formula 2 in 2025?
With just two rounds to go of the F2 season, Goethe is running out of time to prove that he is good enough to remain in the category full-time.
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Only Arvid Lindblad and Leonardo Fornaroli have been confirmed for the 2025 season, giving Goethe the chance to put himself in the shop window for teams next season.
There is every chance that Colapinto could return to F2 despite his impressive performances in F1, and if he is to go back to MP Motorsport, it will most likely see Goethe back in F3.
Campos have retained Mari Boya for the 2025 season and after making progress this year from his debut season in 2023, Goethe may want another crack at F3 to consistently fight for podiums and race wins.