Max Verstappen hopes to make Red Bull co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz “proud” with victory at the US Grand Prix on Sunday.
Just before qualifying in Austin, it was confirmed the Austrian billionaire, who has been part of Formula 1 through his brand since 1995, had passed away aged 78 following a long battle with illness.
“It’s been hard news for everyone,” said Verstappen, who admitted he “didn’t really care” about his subsequent third-place result behind the two Ferraris.
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“I think what he has meant for Red Bull but also for the sport, and especially also for me, what he has done for me in my career so far and in general my life, it’s really tough.
“It’s a very tough day. We tried to give it everything in qualifying, unfortunately, we missed out by a little bit but there is still a race ahead, of course, and we are going to try to make him proud.”
A grid penalty for Charles Leclerc means Verstappen will start alongside Carlos Sainz on the front row, and he was upbeat about his race prospects.
“I think our car normally in the race is a bit stronger than qualifying,” the two-time world champion noted.
“Already in qualifying it was fine margins, if you could switch your tyres on a bit better that would have made a difference.
“Nonetheless we are there and I am expecting a good race.”
Victory for either Red Bull driver would also secure the team their first Constructors’ title since 2013, and Sergio Perez believes that would be a fitting way to pay tribute to Mateschitz.
“I really hope that tomorrow we can do everything to be crowned champions because it will be a nice day to do that,” said the Mexican.
“We couldn’t find the maximum today with just three sets of tyres but it was a weekend where we knew we had the penalty so we have put the focus on tomorrow and the race, hopefully that pays off.
“It will be tricky to get up there on this track but we will be trying our best because it would really mean a lot this weekend.”
