Oliver Goethe’s Journey in Formula 2: Overcoming Challenges

Oliver Goethe has faced numerous challenges in his first complete season in Formula 2. After making a late transition to F2 last year, the 2025 season has proven to be a tough journey for the MP Motorsport driver, who currently holds the 16th position in the drivers’ standings after ten races. In an exclusive interview with Feeder Series, Goethe reflected on his performance thus far and acknowledged areas where he believes he can improve.

Transition to Formula 2: A Bold Move

Goethe’s entry into F2 took place in August 2024 when Franco Colapinto was called up by Williams Racing to participate in Formula 1. This sudden change meant that MP Motorsport required a new driver, and Goethe, who was competing in Formula 3 with Campos Racing at the time, seized the opportunity. At that point, he was ranked seventh in F3, trailing the championship leader by 35 points, and the decision to step up meant sacrificing his chances for a title challenge in the final race at Monza.

Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Goethe expresses no regrets about his choice to transition to F2. “In our heads, we thought it was the best long-term decision,” he explained during a conversation at Silverstone. “It provided me with valuable experience for this year, which could prove beneficial as the season progresses since I’ve already been to those tracks.”

Even though he was technically still in contention for a top-three finish in F3, Goethe understands the importance of seizing opportunities. “Missing the final round wasn’t easy, but we recognized that if I had a decent weekend in Monza, I would likely have ended up in the top five of the championship. We didn’t want to pass up the chance to get a head start in F2.”

In his brief stint at the end of the 2024 season, Goethe managed to score points in two feature races, with his best finish being fourth at Lusail. This performance served as a promising introduction to F2 ahead of his first full season in 2025.

Struggles in the 2025 Season

However, the 2025 season has been far from smooth sailing for Goethe. He has accumulated only 23 points thus far and currently finds himself in 16th place in the drivers’ standings. In stark contrast, his teammate Richard Verschoor is in contention for the championship, having secured two feature race victories.

Goethe has recently shown signs of improvement, but his struggles in qualifying have been a significant factor contributing to his low standing. While Verschoor has consistently qualified in the top 10 at almost every event, Goethe has faced difficulties, finishing 11th or lower in all but three qualifying sessions. The contrasting performances of the two teammates highlight the challenges Goethe has faced.

“It’s been a peculiar situation because my results at the end of last year were probably better than what I’ve achieved this year,” Goethe remarked. “We’re lacking pace in qualifying, which has been a recurring theme this year, but our race pace is strong. The potential is there to achieve impressive results.”

Frustration has been a constant companion for Goethe, who is acutely aware that if he were to qualify well, he would be in contention for podium finishes and race victories. “It’s incredibly close, even if it doesn’t seem that way,” he noted.

Recent Improvements in Performance

Despite the challenges, Goethe’s qualifying performance has shown signs of improvement. Following the interview, he managed to qualify 10th at Spa and sixth at Budapest, translating those positions into three points finishes across the four races in those two weekends. Prior to these improvements, he had only scored points on two occasions.

The 20-year-old driver has recognized that he needs to push himself to the limit during qualifying sessions to unlock his full potential. “For qualifying, I need to be more daring because we haven’t had the pace, particularly in qualifying,” he stated. “It’s crucial that we do everything possible to secure a spot in the top 10, as that will help build momentum and boost my confidence.”

Goethe understands the significance of starting in the top 10, as it enables him to compete for favorable positions in both races. “That’s the key aspect of the weekend,” he emphasized. “Our current focus is directed towards achieving that goal.”

Looking Back at Past Successes

Goethe’s recent uptick in performance, while encouraging, has come too late for him to contend for a high championship position this season. He recalls his impressive debut in F3 when he joined Campos as a mid-season substitute in 2022. During his second feature race at Spa, he led the pack before finishing in fourth place.

That year, he also clinched the Euroformula Open championship with Motopark. In his following F3 season, he finished eighth overall while driving for Trident, securing a feature race victory at Silverstone. These experiences have shaped his career and fueled his ambition.

In F3, Goethe consistently demonstrated his ability to score points, but as he navigates his first full season in F2, he recognizes the need for more consistent finishes to secure his place in the series for another year.

“Achieving a respectable position in the championship would be gratifying,” Goethe admitted. “However, my primary focus for the remainder of this season is to perform my best in every race and prove to Red Bull, the team, sponsors, and myself that I have what it takes.”

He is acutely aware that securing strong results is essential for his future in the sport. “I need to deliver good performances for the rest of the year,” he stated emphatically. “Demonstrating my capability to compete at the front is crucial. We’ll see what opportunities arise for next year, but I must achieve meaningful results to continue my journey.”

Competing Among the Red Bull Junior Team

Goethe is one of three drivers from the Red Bull Junior Team currently racing in F2, alongside Campos teammates Pepe Martí, who is currently sixth in the standings, and Arvid Lindblad, who ranks seventh. Despite being part of the Red Bull program, Goethe does not feel that it adds extra pressure to his performance.

“I don’t perceive it as added pressure from Red Bull,” Goethe explained. “The ultimate goal is to reach Formula 1, so even if I weren’t with Red Bull, I would still need to deliver results. The pressure exists for everyone involved. Rather than viewing it as stress, I consider it a source of motivation. I want to impress them and achieve results that could lead to opportunities in the future.”

The Road Ahead for Goethe

As he continues to navigate the challenges of his first full season in Formula 2, Oliver Goethe remains focused on improving his performance and building momentum. His journey has been characterized by determination, resilience, and a commitment to growth. The lessons learned from his experiences in both F3 and F2 will serve him well as he strives to secure a brighter future in motorsport.

With the season still unfolding, there are ample opportunities for Goethe to demonstrate his skills and reclaim his position among the top contenders in Formula 2. As he works on overcoming the hurdles that have plagued his season thus far, his determination to excel and make a name for himself in the racing world remains unwavering.

The road ahead may be challenging, but with each race, Goethe is one step closer to achieving his ambitions in the world of motorsport.