Tributes pour in for Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, 'a man of gentle character'

The Formula 1 paddock in Austin is mourning the news from Austria about the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

Austria's richest billionaire, and the owner of two Formula 1 teams, has died after a long illness.

"Apparently, it was pancreatic cancer," revealed Roger Benoit, the veteran Swiss journalist for Blick newspaper.

World champion Max Verstappen, who credited his F1 career to the late 78-year-old, led the tributes.

"I was lucky to be able to see him again a few weeks ago and spend some time with him," said the Dutchman.

"The last time I saw him, the things we discussed, that made the day very special even then. And now, that final encounter has gained even more depth. The news of his death is very difficult to take. I will remember him as a man of gentle character who took care of people with extreme love. He didn't seek the limelight.

"I got to know him as a racer at heart with an enormous passion for the sport. I mean, who else in the history of F1 has ever started two teams?" Verstappen added.

Stay up to speed on the latest Formula 1 news by subscribing to our FREE newsletter, 'The Undercut'

Bad news

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull's former quadruple world champion, admitted to being "in shock" about the news.

"I think he was someone who was very special, who always managed to do what others didn't think was even possible," he said.

"I don't feel able to share any more memories of him at this time. This is really bad news, and I want to think about it first."

Dr Helmut Marko, arguably the closest person to Mateschitz in F1, said his friend and long-time colleague would have wanted Red Bull and everyone else in the paddock to keep charging towards victory in Austin.

"We knew that Didi had a very serious health