Sebastian Vettel mourns the late Mateschitz “Gave me a dream” / Mexican F1 GP[F1-Gate.com]

Former Red Bull drivers Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo share memories of the late Dietrich Mateschitz. He described him as a “very humble” and “open-minded” person.

Dietrich Mateschitz, co-founder and owner of Red Bull, passed away at the age of 78 before last weekend’s United States Grand Prix, when his Red Bull Racing F1 team won their fifth constructors’ title since 2013. .

Sebastian Vettel, who has been supported by Dietrich Mateschitz’s company since his young days, switched to Toro Rosso and then Red Bull, winning four F1 world titles from 2010 to 2013, was devastated when news of his death. arrived in Austin. “not ready” to express his thoughts.

But as the Paddock gathers back in Mexico City for this weekend’s Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel takes some time to think about the “exceptional and perhaps unprecedented” impact that the Red Bull driven by Dietrich Mateschitz has had on the sport.

“We had a great relationship. It was a real shock to hear the news last week. It was really a great loss. He’s always been himself and he’s been a great inspiration to me,” said Vettel.

“It will be a great loss for the Red Bull family, not only for racing in Formula 1 where the two teams have influenced the grid and drivers, but also for many other sports where the Red Bull brand has had a really big influence. had a huge impact and helped children, girls, boys, men, women … to help them follow their dreams. “

“It all depended on Dietrich, what ideas he had in mind, what he wanted to do with the brand, and that’s what he built. I had the privilege of knowing him and being with him. Whoever had … was very humble and kind, and in any case he had a good and big heart “.

Sebastian Vettel pays tribute to Trich Mateschitz during this weekend’s Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix, wearing the helmet design he had used when he first entered karting as a Red Bull driver in 1998.

Daniel Ricciardo, who followed in Sebastian Vettel’s footsteps and spent seasons with four-time world champions in F1, Toro Rosso and Red Bull, praised Mateschitz as a boss and a person alike.

“As for Dietrich, it all depends on the way he behaves. He was always happy to be out of the spotlight,” said Daniel Ricciardo, who has won seven races with Red Bull Racing.

“It’s amazing what he did for so many Red Bull athletes, but he didn’t ask for much praise. It was something he could do with a good heart. I feel it has given many of us the opportunity to truly fulfill our dreams.”

“I’ve thought about it a lot and honestly there are really two groups of people in my life who have put me in this position: my parents and then Dietrich and Red Bull. They gave me the opportunity to really pursue this career, this dream.” .

“But as a person, as an individual, he was humble and warm. I think it’s rare for someone who has achieved such success to maintain that kind of behavior. He has been a great role model for someone who has done it and has built a career for it, and this is commendable “.

Category: F1 / Sebastian Vettel / Red Bull / Daniele Ricardo / F1 Mexican Grand Prix