AUSTIN, Texas — Dietrich Mateschitz, who founded Red Bull and successfully pushed the energy drink company into the Formula One world, has died. He was 78 years old.
His death was confirmed just before qualifying at the United States Grand Prix. Formula One president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened by the news that Dietrich Mateschitz, a hugely respected and much-loved member of the Formula 1 family has passed away. He was an incredible visionary entrepreneur and a man who helped to transform our sport and created the Red Bull brand that is known all around the world.