The founder of the energy drink company Red Bull, Austrian multi-billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz has died in Austin in Texas at the age of 78 after a serious illness. His Red Bull company – headquartered in Fuschl am See – employs about 13,000 people worldwide. According to media reports, Mateschitz wanted to build a new plant in the USA.

The basis for Red Bull, Austria’s best-known brand, was a drink from Asia that Mateschitz, a Styrian, had discovered 40 years ago on a business trip to Thailand.

Mateschitz, who rarely showed his face at public appearances and events, was also known for his Formula 1 racing team, as a sponsor of football clubs and extreme sports such as base jumping and cliff diving. In 2005, the businessman had bought SV Austria Salzburg – several other clubs followed.

In terms of marketing, he set new standards especially with the sponsoring of extreme sports events.

His Red Bull Racing team has been very successful in Formula 1: in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the team won the constructors’ championship, while Sebastian Vettel from Heppenheim won four drivers’ titles in a row during his time at Red Bull. This and the previous Formula 1 World Championship also went to a Red Bull driver in the form of Max Verstappen.

We are saddened to hear of the death of Dietrich Mateschitz

The co-founder of Red Bull made an unforgettable contribution to F1, and leaves a lasting legacy pic.twitter.com/ZuBxwY5CzS

– Formula 1 (@F1) October 22, 2022

Rival Formula One companies offer condolences to the family and friends of the entrepreneur.

All of us at BWT Alpine F1 Team are saddened to learn of the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, a hugely influential figure in our sport.

We offer our condolences to his friends and family, including our colleagues at @redbullracing, @AlphaTauriF1 and everyone at @redbull pic.twitter.com/YAghOXuXo8

– BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) October 22, 2022

“Self-willed world view “

In Austria, Servus TV – the richest man in the country with 26.9 billion euros according to “Forbes” – also belonged to him. During the pandemic, opponents of the Corona rules often had their say on the channel. Mateschitz was also considered a Trump supporter as well as an advocate of conspiracy theories. The Standard writes of the deceased’s “idiosyncratic view of the world”.

Mateschitz, who on the one hand was very socially committed, was however also known for his toughness. For example, when he heard about the establishment of a works council at Servus TV, he summarily threatened to close the station. Only when the works council plans were therefore off the table shortly afterwards did things continue at Servus TV.