The world of motorsport pays tribute to Dietrich Mateschitz

Tributes are pouring in after the announcement of the death of Dietrich Mateschitz. The co-founder of the Red Bull brand died on Saturday at the age of 78. A great entrepreneur, he has also shaken up the world of motorsport since the 1990s, notably with great successes in Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing et Alpha Tauri (ex-Toro Rosso). Red Bull has also supported many drivers in their careers, in F1 or in WRC.

Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of F1, and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, paid tribute to the Austrian. “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, a much-respected and much-loved member of the Formula 1 family., said Stefano Domenicali. He was an incredible visionary entrepreneur and a man who helped transform our sport and create the Red Bull brand known around the world. I will miss him dearly, as will the entire Formula 1 community, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the Red Bull and AlphaTauri teams at this very sad time. »

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- Formula 1 (@ F1) October 22, 2022

Dietrich Mateschitz, “a great man unique in his kind”

The president of the FIA ​​said for his part “deeply saddened” by the death of Dietrich Mateschitz. “He was an iconic figure in motorsport and, with Red Bull, he not only created two extremely successful Formula 1 teams, but he also supported motorsport in all its forms and contributed to the careers of countless young people drivers thanks to Red Bull's junior programs. »

John Elkann, president of Ferrari, paid an elegant tribute to his Austrian counterpart for his involvement in motorsport. “I am grateful to Dietrich Mateschitz for everything he did for motor racing and I will remember his passion and courage as an entrepreneur and as a man who always loved new challenges. On behalf of everyone at Ferrari, I would like to extend our condolences to his family and to our friends at Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri. Our thoughts and sympathies are with them all. » 

Obviously, the disappearance of Dietrich Mateschitz affects the members of the Red Bull team more. Christian Horner, boss of the Austrian team, admitted to being “very, very sad” by the news. “What a great man, he is one of a kind. What he accomplished and what he did for so many people around the world, across different sports, is second to none. Many of us should be grateful to him for the opportunities he provided, for his vision, for his strength of character and for never being afraid to follow his dreams and pursue them. This is what he did here in F1, by proving that you can make a difference. »

Red Bull program drivers grateful

Many drivers who built their careers in Formula 1 also praised the Austrian entrepreneur, who revealed great talents through his Red Bull academy program. Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and many others paid tribute to him on the sidelines of the United States Grand Prix.

“Without him I wouldn't be sitting here today and wouldn't have had the success I've had, so it's incredibly hard for everyone on the team, confided double world champion Max Verstappen. Luckily I was able to see him a few weeks ago, and we were able to spend some time together, but it's still a tough day. The amount of young talent he has supported over all these years and, especially on my side, the fact that he believed in me from a very young age and that he saw this relationship develop year after year, it It was very special. »

On social networks, several F1 drivers had a thought for the former big boss of Red Bull, like Yuki tsunoda and Sergio Pérez.

It suddenly me to learn of the passing of Mr Mateschitz. I won't forget the first time he called me when I was in F2, to encourage me. He was such a great person and I am very proud to drive for the team he was so key in building.
Big thank you and I hope to do you proud tomorrow.

— 角田裕毅/Yuki Tsunoda (@yukitsunoda07) October 23, 2022

A sad day to all the Red Bull Family.
Tomorrow we will do our best for Dietrich and all the Mateschitz family 🙏 #USGP

A very sad day for all the Red Bull family. We went to all of you with Dietrich and the Mateschitz family. pic.twitter.com/0Jg6Wk3Pb4

- Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) October 23, 2022

Jean-Éric Vergne, former Red Bull driver in Formula 1, also praised the co-founder of the Red Bull brand, who helped him in his younger years. “ It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz. He has done so much for our sport and in particular for many young drivers. I owe a large part of my career to him… Rest in peace. »

 

 

 

 

 

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Ogier and Loeb pay tribute to Mateschitz

Besides Formula 1, Dietrich Mateschitz has also helped many other drivers in their careers, notably in rally. Sébastien Ogier and Sébastien Loeb, who between them have 17 world rally championship titles, greeted the entrepreneur from Sankt Marein im Mürztal. 

Mr Mateschitz, you have been a faithful actor in my greatest victories. And my best memories. Testing an F1 is one of them.

So, thank you for everything you have done for me and for sport in general 🙌🏻

Thoughts for your loved ones and family ✨ pic.twitter.com/v6H0wMvyPQ

- Sébastien Loeb (@SebastienLoeb) October 23, 2022

Sébastien Ogier: “I am very sad to learn of the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, who was a great visionary and created a business empire and a brand that brought so much to motorsport and sport in general. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace Didi. »

I'm very sad to learn about the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz who was a great visionary and created a business empire and brand that have brought so much to motorsport and sports in general. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace Didi. pic.twitter.com/cNCQFalyDN

- Sébastien Ogier (@SebOgier) October 23, 2022

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