In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the junior motorsport ranks, Red Bull Junior Driver Oliver Goethe is making a surprise leap into the FIA Formula 2 World Championship. Goethe, just 19 years old and in the midst of his second season in FIA F3, will take over the reins at MP Motorsport for the remainder of the season, filling the void left by Franco Colapinto’s sudden promotion to Williams F1.
This unexpected elevation comes as Colapinto, originally slated to complete his F2 season, has been fast-tracked to Formula 1 to replace the ousted Logan Sargeant at Williams—a move that has stirred the paddock.
Goethe, who had been carving out a solid reputation in FIA F3 with Campos Racing, sitting seventh in the standings and boasting a race victory alongside two additional podiums, now finds himself catapulted into the fiercely competitive world of F2. With the sudden change, Goethe is stepping into a higher echelon of racing, and he’s keenly aware of the challenges ahead.
“I am very excited to race in Formula 2 this weekend and for the remainder of the season,” Goethe declared, his enthusiasm tempered with the realism of the daunting task at hand. “It’s such an amazing opportunity, and I am looking forward to working with MP Motorsport again. Although I haven’t got any experience in this F2 car, the two seasons I spent in FIA F3 gave me a great foundation for this step.”
Despite the excitement, Goethe remains grounded, acknowledging the steep learning curve he faces. “My goals for this weekend are to soak up all the information MP Motorsport provides me with and learn as much as I can. It won’t be easy even on a track I know well because all my competitors have so much more experience than me and I got the call so late that I didn’t have a chance to do simulator prep for F2.”
Goethe’s sudden promotion mirrors a similar situation in 2022, when he made his FIA F3 debut mid-season and immediately scored points, showcasing his adaptability under pressure. Now, the stakes are even higher as he steps up to F2 without the benefit of a full-season preparation.
While Goethe’s F2 debut is a golden opportunity, it comes with a bittersweet note as he departs from FIA F3 without finishing the season. “I am a bit sad that I can’t finish my F3 season as planned, I would have loved to go out with a bang with my Campos Racing team. Huge thanks to Adrian Campos and the entire Campos squad for everything,” he added.
This move also marks a reunion with MP Motorsport, the team that nurtured Goethe’s talent in the Spanish F4 and FRECA series. His F2 journey will kick off at Monza, with further battles awaiting in Baku, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
With the motorsport world watching closely, all eyes will be on Goethe to see if he can rise to the occasion and make a significant impact in F2—an arena where the stakes are higher, and the competition is fiercer than ever.
Photo from Goethe Instagram
