Christian Horner has spoken out in praise of Dietrich Mateschitz, after news broke on Friday that the Red Bull founder had passed away.
Mateschitz was the owner of the highly successful Red Bull Formula 1 team, which stands as one of the sport’s most successful outfits of all time, despite being formed less than 20 years ago.
Mateschitz has been hailed for his marketing strategy for the Red Bull company, which has proven to be one of the most extravagant and successful campaigns of all time.
This includes its entry into F1 with two teams and the establishment of a driver academy, which brought drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz to the sport.
Speaking to Sky F1 shortly after news broke regarding Mateschitz’s passing, Horner said: “It’s very, very sad.
“What a great man, he’s few of a kind. What he achieved and what he’s done for so many people around the world, across different sports, is second to none.
“So many of us have to be so grateful to him for the opportunities he’s provided and the vision he had, the strength of character, and never being afraid to follow your dreams, and chase your dreams.
“That’s what he did here in F1, proving that you can make a difference. 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. He was passionate about F1, passionate about the team.”
Mateschitz’s passing came shortly after Verstappen secured his second world title with the team.
“Well, thankfully he got to see that,” Horner added. “He was incredibly proud of the team, incredibly proud of everything we’ve done and have been achieving, and he’s been a passionate supporter and the backbone of everything that we do.
“It’s important that we celebrate and recognise the contribution that he has made. He’s quite a remarkable man, an inspirational individual, and one that we owe a huge amount to.”
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