MAX VERSTAPPEN paid an emotional tribute to Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz following his win at the US Grand Prix.
Mateschitz, the billionaire owner of the Red Bull franchise, passed away at the age of 78 with Red Bull announcing his death on Saturday evening.
And after overtaking Lewis Hamilton late on to claim victory at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, Verstappen, along with team principal Christian Horner paid homage to their late boss.
As he crossed the line Horner said over the radio: “Max Verstappen, you are world champion, we are world champions.
“Thank you so much, and thank you Dietrich Mateschitz for everything you have done.”
The Dutchman had already claimed the F1 driver’s title thanks to victory around Suzuka in the Japanese Grand Prix, but his win on Sunday also sealed the constructor’s title for Red Bull.
He then replied: “This one was for Dietrich. I gave it everything out there, even though we had that stop but uh… I just keep pushing and congrats guys.
“What an amazing season winning also the constructors, you guys really deserve it.”
While Verstappen has now made it back-to-back titles, for the team it represents their first title since 2013.
The Red Bull portfolio also notably expands into football, with German club RB Leipzig and Austrian sister team RB Salzburg.
Discussions around the controversial cost cap breach by Red Bull Racing – following the conclusion of the 2021 season’s financial audit – have been put on hold following Mateschitz’s death.
Red Bull confirmed: âFollowing the passing of Mr Mateschitz, all conversations with the FIA around Cost Cap and next steps are on hold until further notice.
âThe deadline for agreement has been extended and we expect talks to pick back up (in the) middle of the week.â
