F1 drivers pay tribute to “grounded and humble” Mateschitz

Aside from the four drivers of the Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri teams on the current grid, the Austrian also played a part in furthering the careers of Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon and Sebastian Vettel.

All have acknowledged Mateschitz’s contribution to motorsport as a whole, as well as to their own progression through the ranks.

Ricciardo, who raced for the then Scuderia Toro Rosso outfit before graduating to Red Bull’s flagship, shone a spotlight on Mateschitz as a person.

“He was so humble and not interested in the limelight, not interested in parading his success,” said the McLaren driver.

“I think he held himself back a lot, just because of the man he was, and as I said, kind of how humble he was.

“Just a very admirable character. You can go about things your own way, and especially when you have that sort of success it’s quite uncommon to see someone remain so grounded and so humble, and so down to earth. A very good example of a human, I felt.”

Obituary: Dietrich Mateschitz

Ricciardo noted the role that Mateschitz had played in giving him a chance, the Australian’s junior single-seater career and graduation to F1 with the tail-end HRT in 2012 backed by Red Bull.

“If I really break it down, there’s two groups of people I really owe this opportunity to, my career in F1 – it’s my parents and it’s ‘Didi’ and Red Bull,” he said. “They’re ultimately the ones that allowed me to pursue this dream.

“I’m not alone, there’s thousands if not tens of thousands of Red Bull athletes who can really say the same thing and tip their hat to Mr Mateschitz and that family, so it’s certainly a sad day.

“I’m forever appreciative of everything he and his company did.”

AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly was one of several drivers happy to admit that they owe their careers to Red Bull.

“In simple terms, I’d never be here without Dietrich,” said the Frenchman, who will join Alpine next season.

“In this paddock we’re probably six or seven drivers who can be grateful and thankful for what for what he provided us, being part of the Red Bull family.

“The chances he has given to young drivers and just to athletes in general, like the family that it was, I think it’s pretty incredible to see what he has achieved as an energy drink company. And for sure, he’ll be missed.

“It was just his personality, and his way…