Red Bull Racing is one of the most competitive teams on the F1 grid. They have clinched six Constructors and eight Drivers Championships in the past two decades. Moreover, Max Verstappen also dominated the grid with the team, winning four consecutive titles between 2021 and 2024.
He is still a contender for the title this year. However, the team does not appear to be as strong. But how did an energy drink brand find their space on the F1 grid?
Red Bull was just another sponsor when it first appeared in the world of motorsports. But, in 2005, the brand acquired Jaguar and registered as a Formula 1 team. The team has since been under Christian Horner, who is the longest-serving team principal on the grid right now. Drivers like Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber, Max Verstappen, and Daniel Ricciardo have witnessed major success under Horner’s reign.
Christian Horner is often referred to as the team boss. However, he does not own the team. There is a complete hierarchy within the team and the brand itself. Let us glance at it!
Dietrich Mateschitz – The founder of Red Bull
Dietrich Mateschitz founded Red Bull GmbH in 1984. It was in partnership with Thai businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya. Mateschitz was also behind the purchase of Jaguar Racing Formula One in 2005, which was rebranded to RBR. He held his partnership with Yoovidha, until his passing in 2022. Mateschitz had a 49% stake in the team, which was passed down to his son, Mark Mateschitz.
Meanwhile, the team’s 51% stake is owned by Charlem Yoovidha – Chaleo’s eldest son. The two manage the operations of the brand.
Oliver Mintzlaff
Mintzlaff is currently the CEO of Corporate Projects and New Investments of RB GmbH. He has been a long serving employee with the team, but was only appointed in this position after Mateschitz’s death. He represents Mateschitz’s shareholding and supervising the company’s investments, including Formula 1.
Helmut Marko
Marko is one of the more known figures on the Formula 1 grid. Usually seen during the background events of the team, he is known to influence their decisions including drivers’ signings. As per PlanetF1, the 80-year-old was Dietrich Mateschitz’s close friend. Marko is currently the team’s advisor.
Christian Horner
As discussed earlier, Horner is RBR’s team principal. He did attempt his hand in racing, however, he wasn’t as competitive and was quick to join motorsport’s management side. Subsequently, he set up the Arden racing team in 1997. He attempted to purchase Jordan, but Red Bull had already made a deal with the team. Helmut Marko then convinced Mateschitz to hire Horner in the team, too.
This makes up for most of the team’s management. They are one of the strongest teams on the grid. RBR has also witnessed immense success with Max Verstappen.
