Max Verstappen dedicated his record-equalling 13th victory of the 2022 Formula 1 season to Red Bull’s late founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who died yesterday.
The Red Bull driver scored his 13th win of the year, tying the record for most wins in a season also held by Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher.
Red Bull’s 15th win of the year also confirmed them as constructors’ champions for the first time since 2013. After crossing the finishing line for the final time Verstappen said his victory “definitely was for Dietrich.”
“I gave it everything out there,” added Verstappen, who had to fight back after losing the early lead of the race due to a slow pit stop. “Congrats guys, what an amazing season. Congrats on the constructors, you guys really deserve it.”
After getting out of his car in parc ferme Verstappen said he was pleased the team clinched the title in style.
“Of course we had a big chance to win the constructors’ here and of course you want to do that in style and I think we did that today,” he said.
Taking the team to its fifth constructors’ title on the day after Mateschitz passed away “definitely means a lot to me to the team,” he added. “Because he was so important for the whole team, so instrumental.
“Of course it will all continue but we really wanted to have a good result today and this is of course amazing.”
After his early delay Verstappen had to pass his 2021 championship rival, Lewis Hamilton, to secure his victory. The pair had a brief scrap before Verstappen used DRS to pass the Mercedes.
“It was a few corners,” he said. “But this is a great track anyway for battling. If you pass one corner, you can come back in the next and it’s really enjoyable to drive here.”
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2022 United States Grand Prix
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