Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz hails Verstappen’s brilliance and insists the Dutch star remains central to the team’s long-term vision.
Max Verstappen has managed to solidify the support of a highly influential and powerful figure at the helm of Red Bull.
Following the death of Dietrich Mateschitz in late 2022, co-founder and leading figure of Red Bull, the energy drink company—49% owned by Austria—is now under the control of his son, Mark.
Mateschitz Jr., 33, was present in Imola for Red Bull Racing’s 400th Grand Prix, which was brilliantly and unexpectedly won from pole position by the four-time world champion, thanks to an upgraded car.
“Max drove brilliantly and kept his cool. My father would have been proud.”
Publicly impressing Mateschitz could prove decisive for Verstappen’s future, as rival teams present massive offers and performance-related exit clauses loom with the summer break approaching.
Given that Sergio Pérez, Liam Lawson, and now Yuki Tsunoda have recently shown they cannot match Verstappen’s pace, Mateschitz admits it is vital that Red Bull retains the Dutchman.
“We’ve known for a long time that we need to keep him. Max is essential to the Red Bull concept.”
However, despite his considerable influence within the Red Bull organisation and his flourishing financial resources, Mateschitz insisted that he does not interfere in the management of the F1 team.
“I give friendly advice,” he said with a laugh.
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