The Red Bull team received the news of Dietrich Mateschitz’s death with great sadness. The founder of the beverage company of the same name and “father” of the Formula 1 team lost the fight against cancer on Saturday at the age of 78.
“We knew that he was in a very difficult state of health, but still, now that it has happened, it is unbelievable for all of us that such a great personality had to resign so early,” says Red Bull Motorsport consultant Helmut Marko opposite “Sky”.
This is also “very sad news” for team boss Christian Horner, as he says. “He was a remarkable man who did a lot for so many, not just in Formula 1 but in the Red Bull business, in the Red Bull world, on all sports platforms. He was a man who inspired so many. He’s the reason we’re here.”
Mateschitz had a great passion for the sport and has created a real empire with his brand, which has also had its own team in Formula 1 since 2005 – and since 2006 with Toro Rosso (today AlphaTauri) also a second one.
“So many owe him so much”
“His passion for Formula 1 and his vision is the reason he has two teams in the Formula 1 pit lane. He has always been enthusiastic, encouraging and supportive, on good days and bad. So many owe him so much.” , Horner continues.
According to Marko, Red Bull’s successes were “solely his merit”. “His visions, the trust he has placed in this team, but also in his other entrepreneurial activities; that reflects a unique personality”, the Austrian pays respect.
At Red Bull, however, they also know that it would have been in Mateschitz’s interests if they quickly focused on the sport again. Therefore, before qualifying in Austin, they wanted to get back to the essentials.
“I think that now, despite the shock, the whole team will do exactly what he would have wanted, which is to do the best with his cars and try to win the constructors’ championship,” said Horner. “It’s important that we recognize all that he has contributed to the sport, not just to the sport but way beyond.”
Max Verstappen visited Mateschitz on Lake Wolfgang
But Horner is pleased that Mateschitz was at least able to witness Max Verstappen’s second world title two weeks ago: “He was incredibly proud of the team and of everything we’ve achieved. He was a passionate supporter and support for everything we do. It’s important that we celebrate and recognize his contribution,” he stresses.
In recent weeks, however, Red Bull has repeatedly been criticized for the budget limit. But Marko does not believe that the attacks against the team would have burdened him: “They have constantly rained down on him throughout his career and he knows how to deal with it,” he waves off.
Max Verstappen recently visited him at Lake Wolfgang. “He was thrilled to win his second world title and now we’re looking to win the constructors’ title in his honor this weekend.”