'Imperious Verstappen would have made late Red Bull owner proud'

20:31, 18 May

byNorberto Mujica

The late Dietrich Mateschitz would have been proud of Max Verstappen's and Red Bull Racings industrious win at Imola, believes the son of the late founder of Red Bull, Mark Mateschitz.

Mateschitz is certain that Verstappen's epic win in Italy would have uplifted his late father's heart.

“This was a memorable weekend. The 400th race for the team and to strike in this manner. Max drove brilliantly and kept his head cool. My father would have been proud,” said Mateschitz to De Telegraaf.

Following his father's passing in 2022 ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Mark Mateschitz has taken over the 49% worth of Red Bull GmbH stocks left as part of Dietrich's legacy.

Max Verstappen stands on the top step of the podium at Imola

Verstappen reigns imperious at Imola

Since the start of the Imola GP Verstappen was in a league of his own, as he was able to pip polesitter Oscar Piastri at the start and never look back, putting Red Bull's highly effective upgrades to good use.

In the end, neither Piastri nor teammate Lando Norris had answers to Verstappen's relentless pace and flawless performance. The gap now in the Drivers' title between leader Piastri and Verstappen is only 22 points.