Max reflects on passing away Dietrich Mateschitz: 'Incredibly tough day'

Published on 23 October 2022 by Niels Hendrix

After qualifying in Austin, Max Verstappen spoke kind and respectful words about Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 78.

Max: “It was tough to hear the news ahead of qualifying, the result today doesn’t really matter. What does matter is reflecting on Dietrich and what he did for us as a team, the whole of Formula 1 and the wider Red Bull family. Dietrich was always super kind and caring to me. I will forever remember the last visit I had with him a month ago or so, at the time it was very special but it’s definitely more special now. He believed in me from such a young age and many other younger drivers and gave incredible opportunities to so many people. Without him I would not be sitting here today. So, it’s an incredibly tough day.”

Despite the fact that Max will not start the race on Sunday from pole position, the world champion is committed to winning the race: “There is still a race ahead of course and we are going to try and make Dietrich proud.”

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