Red Bull’s constructors’ title was fitting tribute to Mateschitz but now there are questions about the future

IT was fitting that Red Bull wrapped up the F1 constructors’ title in Texas on Sunday given their ongoing row with the sport’s governing body.

Controversy has been a pillar of the energy drink’s success, put there by its co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who died on Saturday.

Mateschitz was once asked about a Red Bull utopia and was quoted as saying: “Nobody tells you what you have to do — only what you don’t have to do.”

Nothing could be more >Formula One, a sport governed by an over-complicated rulebook, which Red Bull are challenging in relation to the cost cap.

Mateschitz’s impact in motorsport was massive and his death could have big consequences.

His company owns two F1 teams, one race track in Austria and has had a hand in the careers of seven drivers out of 20 on the F1 grid.

Red Bull’s logos and — more importantly — money have cropped up in dozens of motorsport championships all across the world.

No wonder the team’s F1 boss Christian Horner says Mateschitz can be listed as one of the most influential people in the sport’s history.

After the Austrian tycoon’s passing was marked ahead of Sunday’s race, Horner said: “The tribute was a big moment. It demonstrates how many people he has affected and supported in Formula One.

“He’s always given youth a chance. He gave me a chance as a 31-year-old team principal. He’s given all these young drivers a chance. He’s given engineers a chance.

“So many owe him so much. (The legacy) is enormous. I don’t think there’s anyone other than probably Enzo Ferrari who has done so much for Formula One.

“He was a fan, he was passionate about the sport. He followed his dreams and he encouraged us to do the same.

“He was there on the tough days as well as the good days.

“Hopefully he enjoyed that race from above, looking down. But his legacy will continue.

“His spirit is embodied throughout the team and that will continue to shine brightly.”

The question is, what happens to Red Bull? Mateschitz’s death means the drinks brand, which sold 9.8 billion cans last year, would be some acquisition.

What happens if it was sold? Would the new owners continue their support of motorsport?

The subsequent prize money for winning the constructors’ title, plus already lucrative sponsorship deals, means financially Red Bull Racing are in good health.

Red Bull Racing is a separate division to the beverage business, so a potential split is unlikely to worry them.

The big question is whether they will keep the energy drink’s name and branding.

ALONSO’S EASY STROLL

FERNANDO ALONSO showed amazing restraint not to blast Lance Stroll for his dangerous move which sent him flying at 200mph in Texas.

Perhaps it is because he is joining Aston Martin next season which, of course, is owned by Stroll’s dad.

I’m not sure he will be able to hold his tongue in Mexico this week when asked why the stewards handed him a 30-second time penalty for his car not being in a “safe condition to race” because of the smash.

PITT STOP

BRAD PITT was in Austin to do some research for his upcoming F1 film.

But he might need to do some more after trying to fob-off Sky F1’s Martin Brundle.

Pitt swept aside the commentator’s advances, making painful viewing.

F1 BLOW TO W SERIES

NEWS broke on Saturday night that F1 are planning to launch their own female racing series.

It would be a  blow to the FIA-endorsed WSeries, which lost the final two races due to funding.

If F1 wants to get their championship ratified, it could be a sticking point with the governing body.

MOTOGP CROWN 

PECCO BAGNAIA’S victory in Malaysia saw him inch closer to the MotoGP crown.

Reigning champ Fabio Quartararo’s third place delayed celebrations.

The title will now be decided in Valencia in the final race of the season.