Max Verstappen has won over one of Red Bull's most powerful figures — co-owner Mark Mateschitz — with a commanding performance at Imola.
Following the 2022 death of Red Bull's influential co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, the Austrian family's 49 percent stake in the energy drink empire passed to his son, Mark.
Now 33, Mateschitz was in attendance at Imola for Red Bull's 400th Formula 1 race — a grand prix Verstappen won from pole in impressive fashion, following a much-needed breakthrough with the team's latest upgrade package.
"Max drove brilliantly and kept his head cool," Mateschitz told De Telegraaf. "My father would have been proud."
The praise comes at a crucial moment in Verstappen's career, with rival teams circling and rumours of performance exit clauses possibly activating around the summer break.
With teammates Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda all recently falling well short of Verstappen's pace, Mateschitz made clear just how vital the Dutchman is to Red Bull's identity.
"We've known for a long time that we have to keep him," he told Bild newspaper. "Max is essential to the Red Bull concept."
Despite his elevated status and considerable wealth, Mateschitz Jr. says he doesn't directly interfere in the operations of the Formula 1 team.
"I help with friendly advice," he laughed.
