The news of the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz came unexpectedly minutes before the start of qualifying for the 2022 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, so the Austrians’ garage was filled with long faces after learning of the departure of one of its main figures.
The creator of the empire of energy drinks, after many rumours, ended up dying on the night of Saturday, October 22 , but during his time at the Great Circus, he managed to make Jaguar, after his purchase, a world champion team thanks to the help of Helmut Marko, Adrian Newey and Christian Horner .
The last man of the aforementioned has been serving as boss of the team since 2006 , being able to celebrate six drivers’ titles and four constructors, waiting for the fifth this year, and has been one of the closest to Mateschitz in all the stage in the highest category of motorsport.
The British director came out to speak to the press when the news broke, saying: “It is very sad news that Dietrich [Mateschitz] passed away. He was an extraordinary man, what he has done for so many, not just in the Formula 1, but in the Red Bull business, in the Red Bull world, in all sports platforms.”
“He was a very inspiring guy,” Horner said. “He is the reason we are here, it was his passion for Formula 1, and his vision the reason he has two teams in the Formula 1 pit lane, he was always enthusiastic, encouraging and supportive, back in the days good and bad.”
“Many owe him so much. I feel privileged to have known him, and I think now the whole team, despite the shock, is going to do exactly what he would have wanted, which is to go out there with their cars, do the best they can. we can, and try to win this constructors’ championship”, explained the Englishman. “It is important that we recognize everything that he has contributed to the sport, but not only there, but it goes much further.”
When asked about his best memory of the founder of the company, Christian Horner did not want to give a specific moment, but everything he did for him: “He was an inspiration. He gave me an opportunity when I was young, he supported me, and he inspired me.” to many others.”
“He gave a lot of people a chance. He encouraged you that nothing is impossible, that nothing is insurmountable, and to pursue your dreams,” said the Red Bull boss. “He was enormously proud of everything we’ve done, the most important thing now is that he would want to see us go out there and give it our all, and that’s what we’re going to do for him today.”
As the news spread through the paddock, some reacted, such as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff , who said he was “one of the world’s greatest and most visionary entrepreneurs”, acknowledging his “unprecedented” impact. For its part, Ferrari was “deeply saddened by the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, a man who loved sport and challenges”, while Aston Martin paid tribute to “a great guy whose impact on the category was highly appreciated”.
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