Everything there was still to win in this fourth-to-last Formula 1 race weekend was pushed into the background by the big loss.

Less than an hour before qualifying for the US Grand Prix, the news reached the paddock that Dietrich Mateschitz had died.

The dismay reached far beyond Red Bull Racing, for the moment, even in the Egoisten Championship, grief united friend and foe.

Mateschitz' compatriot Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss, described the 78-year-old self-made multi-billionaire as "larger than life", and even more as the individual "who has made the greatest contribution to Formula 1." The current starter list underscores this: eight of the 20 drivers come from the Red Bull school.

The multiple world champions Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel were in the same words: "Without his support we would not be sitting here."

"Mateschitz was proud of the team"

Red Bull governor Christian Horner was happy that Dietrich Mateschitz, who was already severely affected by his illness, was at least able to witness Verstappen's second title win.

“He was incredibly proud of the team and what we have achieved.

He always had our backs.

We are grateful for the vision he had, for his strength of character, and for never being afraid to follow and pursue his dreams.

He also did that in Formula 1 and proved that you can make a difference.

We are determined to win the race for him today.”

In fact, Mateschitz was particularly fond of racing drivers and of all types of motorsport in general.

At the same time he was much more welcome there than in other sports, because the fact that money is the real fuel here is not considered a flaw - it is a prerequisite.

Initially derided by the traditionalists as a drinks racing team, in less than five years he has set up a champion team and a talent pool.

Four drivers' and constructors' titles in a row, then came the hybrid era and Mercedes.

Most recently, the tide has turned in favor of the team based in central England.

For the 19th World Championship round of the season this Sunday (9 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for Formula 1 and on Sky), Red Bull Racing has another team success in the overall standings that Ferrari can hardly prevent.

The Italians would have to get 19 points more than Red Bull, who recently managed seven wins in a row.

Max Verstappen, two weeks ago prematurely recognized as another world champion, would set the record for success in a season with a win that has so far been held by Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel with 13 wins each.

Verstappen benefits from Leclerc downgrade

In the qualifying hour, the Dutchman initially caught up behind Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz jr.

and Charles Leclerc had to line up, but moved up to the front row next to Sainz due to a downgrade for Leclerc due to an engine change.

In all previous races at the Circuit of the Americas, the eventual winner started from the front.

Verstappen, who was just 0.092 seconds slower than the day's winner, is confident that his RB 18 is once again stronger over the race distance than on a fast lap.

In view of the circumstances, the 25-year-old spoke of a "tough day on which the result was not important", but also that he was looking forward to the race.