Two Formula 1 teams belong to the Red Bull empire, and many of the current pilots come from the young talent program of the shower company. Before the US Grand Prix, the racing series is therefore commemorating Dietrich Mateschitz, the founder of the group who died this weekend.
Before the start of the US Grand Prix, Formula 1 commemorated the late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz. "We want to celebrate and honor his life," said former Formula 1 and Red Bull driver David Coulthard before the more than 100,000 spectators, teams and drivers applauded at the Circuit of the Americas. Sebastian Vettel, who became world champion with Red Bull in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, seemed to be fighting back tears.
Austrian multi-billionaire Mateschitz died on Saturday at the age of 78. After buying the Jaguar racing team, Mateschitz entered Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing in 2005, and a year later another racing team joined the former Minardi team. The former Toro Rosso team, with which Vettel sensationally celebrated the first victory of the two racing teams in Monza in 2008, now starts under the name Alpha Tauri. Formula 1 managing director Stefano Domenicali praised Mateschitz as an "incredibly visionary entrepreneur" in a statement after the news of his death.
Meanwhile, the news of the Austrian's death also affects the dispute over Red Bull Racing exceeding the cost limit last year. In this case, there is still no decision. "Following the death of Mr. Mateschitz, all talks with Fia about the cost cap and next steps will be suspended until further notice," the team said. "The deadline for the agreement has been extended and we expect talks to resume mid-week," the team said, according to the BBC.
It had previously been expected that there would be a result this weekend at the sidelines of the Grand Prix in Austin/. According to an investigation report by the international automobile association Fia, Red Bull 2021 is said to have "slightly" exceeded the spending limit of $ 148.6 million (around 150.7 million euros). The Formula 1 regulatory and control authority did not give a specific number. Before the World Championship round, the rule-keepers were in talks with Red Bull about a possible punishment. The result is eagerly awaited.
