F1 world mourning death of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz at age 78

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has died at the age of 78, prompting tributes to pour in from around the Formula 1 world.

JEREZ, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 03: (Free picture for editorial usage) Red Bull Racing's driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia receiving bib number 1 for the "Wings of Live World Run" from team owner, CEO of the Austria energy drink producer Red Bull and founder of "Wings for Life", a non profit spinal cord resaerch foundation, Dietrich Mateschitz at Circuito de Jerez on February 3, 2015 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Picture released on Feb 18- 2015, the Wings for Life World Run will take place simoultanously on 35 locations around the World on May 03 -2015.

Red Bull’s founder and owner Dietrich Mateschitz has died at the age of 78.

The Austrian billionaire died on Saturday, Red Bull said, expressing both its “sadness” at his death and “gratitude for what he accomplished”.

Mateschitz founded Red Bull back in 1987 and became a giant in the world of energy drinks and the founder of the Formula One team.

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His death was confirmed just hours before his team took part in qualifying at the United States Grand Prix on Sunday morning (AEDT).

In rare a sight, the entire Red Bull staff gathered in the team’s hospitality room just before qualifying began at the Circuit of the Americas.

Tributes quickly began pouring from around the F1 world for Mateschitz, who had been unwell for some time.

“It’s really sad news,” Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle said.

“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.”

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz (R) talks with Team Principal Christian Horner in 2014. (Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images)

Since entering F1 in 2005, Red Bull has won six drivers’ championships and is on track to claim a fifth constructors’ title this season with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez behind the wheel.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner paid tribute to Mateschitz, who was a pioneer through his investment in F1 and other extreme sports.

“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.

Dietrich Mateschitz with Daniel Ricciardo in 2016. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“We go into this qualifying to do exactly what he would have wanted us to do. We will be determined to do our best for him.

“He was a passionate supporter and the backbone to everything we do.

“It’s important we celebrate and recognise the contribution he made.”

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.

— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) October 22, 2022

President and CEO of Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali added: “I am deeply saddened by the news that Dietrich Mateschitz, a hugely respected and much-loved member of the Formula 1 family has passed away.

“He was an incredible visionary entrepreneur and a man who helped to transform our sport and created the Red Bull brand that is known all around the world.

“I will miss him greatly, as will the whole community in Formula 1, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Red Bull and AlphaTauri teams at this very sad time.”