Red Bull mourns ahead of Austin races

AEverything there is still to win on this fourth-to-last Formula 1 race weekend has been pushed into the background by the big loss. Less than an hour before qualifying for the US Grand Prix, the news reached the paddock that Dietrich Mateschitz had died. The dismay reached far beyond Red Bull Racing, for the moment, even in the Egoisten Championship, grief united friend and foe.

Mateschitz’ compatriot Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss, described the 78-year-old self-made multi-billionaire as “larger than life”, and even more as the individual “who has made the greatest contribution to Formula 1.” The current starter list underscores this: eight of the 20 drivers come from the Red Bull school. The multiple world champions Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel were in the same words: “Without his support we would not be sitting here.”

“Mateschitz was proud of the team”

Red Bull governor Christian Horner was happy that Dietrich Mateschitz, who was already severely affected by his illness, was at least able to witness Verstappen’s second title win. “He was incredibly proud of the team and what we have achieved. He always had our backs. We are grateful for the vision he had, for his strength of character, and for never being afraid to follow and pursue his dreams. He also did that in Formula 1 and proved that you can make a difference. We are determined to win the race for him today.”

In fact, Mateschitz was particularly fond of racing drivers and of all types of motorsport in general. At the same time he was much more welcome there than in other sports, because the fact that money is the real fuel here is not considered a flaw – it is a prerequisite. Initially derided by the traditionalists as a drinks racing team, in less than five years he has set up a champion team and a talent pool. Four drivers’ and constructors’ titles in a row, then came the hybrid era and Mercedes. Most recently, the tide has turned in favor of the team based in central England.