Global business co-owner of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz, has sadly passed away at the age of 78.
Mateschitz was the key force in forming the energy drink and used that fortune to create a highly competitive Formula 1 team.
Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner commented on Mateschitz’s passing and the influence he has had ahead of the US Gran Prix.
“It’s very, very sad, what a great man,” Horner said. “What he achieved and what he has done for so many people, around the world in different sports, is second to none.”
Besides Formula 1, Mateschitz and Red Bull made their mark in the world of soccer. The company purchased teams in Salzburg, the city closest to Mateschitz’s home in Austria, and Leipzig in Germany, as well as what was the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars.
Horner spoke to Sky Sports on Saturday just after Mateschitz’s death was announced.
“Mateschitz insisted that the team was determined to do their best for him. We’re just incredibly grateful for him, everything that he’s done, everything that he’s supported us with over the years. So many drivers, so many team members, so many people in this pit lane owe him so much,” Horner said.
Mateschitz’s death is not expected to threaten the future of Red Bull or its sister team Alpha Tauri.
