Concern for Dietrich Mateschitz: According to “RTL / ntv” information, the Red Bull founder is said to be seriously ill. This is also confirmed by sources of well-informed journalists from Austria.
The 78-year-old has not appeared in public for a long time, fueling rumors about his health.
Even after the bursting of the Formula 1 deal between Red Bull and the German car manufacturer Porsche, there had recently been no quotes from the Red Bull boss.
Despite being invited, Mateschitz was recently absent from the DTM race at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.
Red Bull issued the following statement on Friday: “As you know, it has always been important for Mr. Mateschitz to keep his private life out of the public eye. That hasn’t changed.”
“No comment” by Helmut Marko
“No comment, it’s a private matter, we don’t comment on it,” said Mateschitz’s friend and confidante Helmut Marko in Singapore on “RTL / ntv” request.
Marko is a consultant for the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team and usually speaks to the company founder after every F1 session.
Marko also did not comment on the question of whether his compatriot might be doing better.
From energy drink to billion dollar empire
Mateschitz founded Red Bull GmbH in 1984 and launched the energy drink Red Bull in 1987. From Austria he built up an impressive empire with his company.
According to Forbes 2022, he is the richest person in Austria with an estimated fortune of 16.5 billion dollars.
In addition to selling the drinks, he combines his product with sports and sports marketing. Mateschitz promoted extreme sports from an early age. He found one of the most important projects in Formula 1. In 2004 he took over the Jaguar Formula 1 team, established Red Bull in the motorsport premier class – and a few years later made a German world champion.
Four Formula 1 World Championships by Sebastian Vettel
In 2010 Sebastian Vettel won the first title for the Mateschitz racing team. Three more titles followed in a row before Mercedes dominance began, which Max Verstappen only broke through again in 2021 – in the Red Bull.
The sports empire also includes football teams such as RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg or the ice hockey team in Munich.
Many athletes are also sponsored by the shower manufacturer from Styria.