Oliver Goethe is competing in the final four rounds of the 2024 Formula 2 season with MP Motorsport.
The German was called up to replace Franco Colapinto from Monza onwards after the Argentine was promoted to F1 with Williams following the sacking of Logan Sargeant.
Goethe had held discussions with MP Motorsport for 2025, which ultimately helped him secure the seat early after Colapinto’s departure.
The 20-year-old had been in his second full season in Formula 3 with Campos Racing and missed the final round of the season due to his F2 promotion. Goethe finished the season seventh with one win and three podiums.
Oliver Goethe says the cars and their increased power are the ‘biggest difference’ between F2 and F3
It has been difficult start to life in F2 for Goethe, having retired from two of his first four races and failed to score points in the other two.
His retirements have been caused by crashes before the first corner and he has found it difficult to make his way through the field and into the points.
Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, Goethe discussed the differences between F3 and F2 machinery as he adjusts to life in the final step before F1.
“The cars are clearly the biggest difference. The additional turbo gives the F2 racers more power, but at the same time they are heavier,” he said.
“The braking behaviour also needs to be adjusted. It really is a car with character, which is exactly why I am happy to be able to get used to it now. The other rookies will also quickly get used to it thanks to the – compared to the race weekends – very extensive tests, but I already have some routine.
“It also helps to have experienced the special pressure of races, including the stops that were new to me. In terms of driver quality, Formula 3 is not that bad, the F2 drivers just have more experience.”
Will Oliver Goethe race in Formula 2 next season?
Having had previous discussions with MP Motorsport, Goethe will certainly be in the conversation for a full-time seat in 2025.
The Red Bull junior has backing behind him, but his results in F2 so far may cast some doubt over him for next season. Goethe will need to find some performance in the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
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It is possible that Colapinto could return to F2 with MP after the end of the F1 season, with his chances of a 2025 seat looking uncertain at this stage.
MP have confirmed the signing of Richard Verschoor for 2025, as the Dutchman comes in to replace Dennis Hauger, who is heading to Indy NXT next season with Andretti.