Max Verstappen has thanked Dietrich Mateschitz for helping him in his Formula 1 career, following the death of the Red Bull Racing owner. Mateschitz's death aged 78 was announced shortly before qualifying at the United States Grand Prix - where Red Bull can win their fifth Constructors' Championship on Sunday. Verstappen was signed onto the Red Bull junior programme and was given his F1 debut in 2015 by Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso and became their second World Champion in 2021. After qualifying third in Austin, Verstappen paid tribute to Mateschitz.
Verstappen aiming to make Mateschitz proud
"It's been hard news, I think for everyone," Verstappen told media. "I think what he has meant for Red Bull, and also for the sport, and especially what he has done for me, in my career and my life, [mean] it is a really tough day. "We tried to give it everything today in qualifying, unfortunately we missed out by a little bit. "But there is still a race ahead, and we are going to try to make him proud tomorrow. "If [I] could switch the tyres on a bit better, I think that would have made a difference. "But nonetheless, we are there and I'm expecting a good race tomorrow."
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