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Dietrich Mateschitz's death rocks Red Bull on eve of US Grand Prix

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·5-min read
Dietrich Mateschitz (R) with Helmut Marko at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2018. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Dietrich Mateschitz (R) with Helmut Marko at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2018. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Red Bull have been rocked by the tragic death of owner Dietrich Mateschitz just hours before the US Grand Prix.

Team principal Christian Horner gathered staff for a meeting before qualifying on Saturday, with many expecting it to be in regard to a penalty for their cost cap breach.

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However Horner broke the news to the team that Mateschitz had died at age 78.

The Red Bull founder had been unwell for some time.

“It’s very, very sad, what a great man,” Horner said.

“He is few of a kind, what he achieved and what he has done for so many people around the world across different sports is second to none.

"So many of us have to be grateful to him. The vision he had and the strength of character. Never afraid to follow his dreams and that is what he did in Formula One proving that anyone can make a difference.

“We are so grateful to him and everything he has done to support us over the years. So many people in this pitlane owe him so much."

The Austrian billionaire founded the energy drink company in 1984 and was instrumental in the brand’s involvement in Formula 1.

Mateschitz was the driving force behind Red Bull's entry into Formula 1 in the mid-1990s.

He took over the Jaguar F1 team in 2004 and rebranded it to Red Bull Racing.

Dietrich Mateschitz, pictured here with Max Verstappen at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2018.
Dietrich Mateschitz with Max Verstappen at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2018. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

F1 world pays tribute to Dietrich Mateschitz

Formula 1 tweeted: "We are saddened to hear of the death of Dietrich Mateschitz.

"The co-founder of Red Bull made an unforgettable contribution to F1, and leaves a lasting legacy."

Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle said: “It’s really sad news. A wonderful man for motorsport.

"He sold toothpaste in Asia and then created this almighty drink and then entered the world of motorsport.

“He has grown it into this incredible racing team. Red Bull turns up all over the world.

“He has been unwell for some time and sadly we now have confirmation of his passing.

"He was a very private man, he never wanted to be in the spotlight. He always wanted to be behind the scenes.”

Dietrich Mateschitz, pictured here at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2018.
Dietrich Mateschitz at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2018. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Driver and commentator Karun Chandhok wrote: "Very sad to hear about the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz.

"A huge supporter and investor in the world of motorsport but always in a quiet and understated manner, away from the limelight.

"My condolences to the Mateschitz family and everyone at Red Bull."

Columnist Mark Gallagher added: "Sorry to hear of Dietrich Mateschitz’s passing.

"An entrepreneur who stood behind his company and supported its activities across so many fields with extraordinary success.

"Incredible vision and leadership. Changed F1 in so many ways, showed the establishment a thing or two."

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