Ollie Goethe claimed a “relieving” maiden Formula 2 podium at the Austrian Grand Prix, putting a satisfying end to his points-scoring drought.
The opening rounds of the season were an intense journey for Goethe. MP Motorsport has shown its immense pace this season, early in Melbourne and through Championship leader Gabriele Mini. However, the 21-year-old has struggled to put in a clean and consistent weekend since the season opener in Albert Park.
His breakthrough finally came during the Austrian GP, after securing a third-place finish in Sunday’s feature race. When reflecting on the race, Goethe highlighted that this feat was a long time coming.
“I mean it’s about time,” Goethe told media, including Motorsport Week.
“I feel like I definitely had moments where I should have been on the podium before, but yeah it feels good to finally be here better late than never.”
The former Red Bull junior was aided to podium glory by his race strategy. Goethe, on the alternative strategy, pulled an impressive thirty-lap stint on the soft tyre. He then led the race as his rivals pitted to rid their super-soft compounds.
However, with rising track temperatures and increasing tyre degradation around the Red Bull Ring, his path to a podium remained tricky.
“When you start the race on the prime tyre, you often struggle a bit with the pace compared to the guys that pit on lap eight or whatever,” Goethe explained.
“ I was really pushing the limit out of the tyre I was dropping off quite a lot which is why we pitted for the option tyre let’s say a tiny bit earlier than expected”
Crucial podium in Goethe’s bad luck ridden season
The season has been difficult for Goethe to endure. Whilst his team-mate leads the Championship, securing podiums and victory throughout the season, the German has struggled to put together a clean weekend. In just 12 races, Goethe has experienced four DNF’s and only two point finishes.
Ultimately, making this podium more rewarding for the 21-year-old.
“Yeah I mean it’s very relieving.”
However, while Goethe acknowledged the bad luck he had experienced throughout the season, he recognised that his form wasn’t the most impressive. From lapses in concentration during races to missed opportunities in qualifying, Goethe took accountability for his difficult start to the year.
“It’s been a tough start to the year,” The MP driver explained.
“As I said before, the pace has been good, but a couple of mistakes from my side and a couple of unlucky moments meant that I couldn’t really get the results.
So it’s good to finally be back on the podium to get some points.”
Confidence for the rest of 2026
As the series heads into the midway point of the season, a maiden podium could not have been better timed for Goethe. The renewed confidence within himself, his talents, and the team could see a mid-season turnaround for German.
“I think this weekend in general has definitely brought confidence in myself and in the team,” Goethe explained.
“We’ve known that the potential has been there in previous races and the pace has been strong. But I think this weekend in particular was really good.
So I’m really happy with the pace and potential.”
Whilst he may be playing catch-up with his team-mate Mini, the MP driver explained he remains confident that positive results can continue for the rest of the season.
“Yeah, I think the team has done a great job so far you know I haven’t maximised the races like Gabriele has but the pace has always been strong.”
“I’m really happy with the car with the work the team is doing you know hopefully we can continue this form into the next rounds.”
F2 heads to Silverstone for what is set to be an eventful weekend. But with a podium finally under his belt, Goethe may find himself challenging closer to the front of the field for the rest of the season.
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