Racing on the world’s most iconic streets: Oliver Goethe on calling Monaco home

23 June 2023

Driving around the streets of Monte Carlo has a firm spot on most drivers’ bucket lists, but for Oliver Goethe, Formula 3’s debut in the Principality was even more special – as his home race.

Taking to the track metres from where he’s grown up, the Trident driver talks us through life in one of the motorsport’s most legendary venues and that despite all the hustle and bustle, he can’t beat a bit of downtime with those closest to him.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

“My hometown is Monaco right now. I’ve lived here for around nine to 10 years. I’ve gone to school here the whole time, done karting around the area. I’ve seen the Monaco Grand Prix plenty of times. I’ve been in the grandstands a few times or in some of my friends’ apartments where you can have a view of the track.

“I’ve been a racing fan here a lot before racing here. It’s amazing to see the cars go around the streets that you’re used to seeing normally. It’s special and of course, it’s even more special now to drive it.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT TO SOMEONE?

“Monaco is special. It's very unique. It's quite densely populated and there are not many parks and spaces to do typical outdoor activities, but it's such a nice area to live, it's safe. I honestly really enjoy living here.”

WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN THERE?

“In Monaco they mainly speak English and French. I came here knowing just English and then of course over the years I’ve been learning French in school. Now I speak French fluently as well.”

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?

“During the summer, it gets really hot here. For the race weekend, it’s hot but when the sun’s not out, it can get a bit cold. Compared to other countries, I would say the weather is very nice.”

WHERE SHOULD TOURISTS VISIT?

“I would take them to visit the most famous buildings like the casino. There are also some nice beaches as well in Monaco and around the area. Although, I’m always in school, but usually when I’m with my friends we like to go to each other’s apartments and chill there because it’s often quite busy outside and not super calm.”

FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO FOR FOOD?

“I’ve eaten at a lot of restaurants around the port where the track is because my school is there. For lunch, my friends and I would often go out there. There are some nice Italian, sushi places and there used to be Stars and Bars, but its now unfortunately closed. That was definitely a must when it was here. My favourite food is pizza, but now that I’m in an Italian team, I’m used to having it in Italy so it’s not as good everywhere else.”

MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHERE CAN WE GO KARTING?

“There are a few tracks around an hour away. I grew up driving a lot around Brignoles, which was one of the closest tracks. Now sometimes during the year there is a small electric karting track in Monaco where the F2 paddock is, so for some months of the year we go there a lot.”