Red Bull: Foundation put in place by Mateschitz means 'future is set'

©RedBull

Christian Horner says the future of Red Bull in F1 is secure thanks to the foundation that was put in place by founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

The late Austrian billionaire relied on his passion to keep his company involved in at the highest level of motorsport.

But with no clear succession plan ever made public, Mateschitz's passing last weekend inevitably spurred questions over the future of the energy drink company's teams in F1.

But in Austin, where Red Bull conquered its fifth Constructors' title, Horner was quick to reassure F1 fans that both Red Bull teams remain committed to the sport for the long term.

And the Briton pointed to the development of Red Bull Powertrains in Milton Keynes as a testimony to Mateschitz's desire to keep his company involved in F1 for the long term.

©RedBull

"No, the future is set," said Horner. "He's put in place a very strong foundation for the future. And within 2026 Red Bull becoming a power unit manufacturer that was the missing piece of our jigsaw, and he had the vision to enable that to happen.

“And just as we've done with the chassis, we will take that same spirit, his spirit into the future engine company.”

"He set that vision, and he was involved right up until last week. He had the vision for and endorsed the plan for Red Bull Powertrains, to set the team up for the future, for the long term.

"And the commitment that he's shown to that, and what he's enabled us to create in Milton Keynes puts Red Bull Racing in a very strong position for many, many years to come."

Read also:

Horner pays heartfelt tribute to Mateschitz: 'This is for him!'

Red Bull has enjoyed a banner 2022 year, marked by Max Verstappen's dominance in the second part of the season as well as by the team's own technical excellence.

Can Red Bull uphold its momentum for seasons to come?

"You can't make predictions like that," admitted Horner. "I mean, we're up against some very tough competitors. We've had a wonderful year this year, we've broken all our own records now in terms of wins, and one-two finishes, for example.

"And still three races to go. But you know, we have some very, very competitive neighbours, and I'm sure they're going to come back strong next year."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.