Marko mourns: 'Mateschitz was incredibly happy with second Verstappen title'

On Saturday evening, just before qualifying, it was announced that Mateschitz died at the age of 78 after a long battle against a serious illness. Red Bull advisor Marko was one of the few who had contact with the Austrian until the end.

"Didi was incredibly happy with Max's second world title. Now we want to win the constructors' title in his honour," Marko is quoted by Auto, Motor und Sport. "We knew he was in a difficult health condition. Now that it has actually happened, it is incomprehensible to us that such a great personality had to leave life so early," he added at Sky Germany.

Red Bull will give everything to win title in Austin

Max Verstappen already won his second world title with his victory in the Japanese Grand Prix a fortnight ago. Red Bull needs a 147-point lead over Ferrari after the United States Grand Prix to also secure the constructors' title. Following Mateschitz's death, the team is all set to make sure the title is won this weekend to honour the Red Bull boss in that way.

Mateschitz bought the former Jaguar in 2004 and renamed the Formula 1 team Red Bull Racing. The Austrian also bought the Minardi team, now known as AlphaTauri. Without Mateschitz, Red Bull would never have been as successful in the sport. He also gave many young drivers a chance in F1, including 17-year-old Verstappen.