Talking to the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper during a recent visit to Vienna, Todt admitted that he has seen few persons so enthusiastic with the sport of racing as Mateschitz. And it's a well known fact that Red Bull and racing go hand in hand, as the Austrian energy company is practically involved, in some form of another, in all major motorsport championships and events worldwide.
“I have great admiration for him,” admitted the Frenchman, according to the aforementioned source. “He is a sports fanatic, especially motor sports. When he started (in F1), many didn't think he could be so successful, but he has shown what can be done with enthusiasm, energy and dedication.”
Of course, Mateschitz was not really the man in charge of Red Bull's F1 programme since he took over the struggling Jaguar F1 team 7 years back, as he had the youngest manager in the sport Christian Horner and his personal advisor on motorsport related problems Helmut Marko set up a winning squad at Milton Keynes.
Nevertheless, employing the right people and maintaining a successful, financially-covered organization throughout difficult years of economic crisis is definitely a quality. And beating the best of the best – read that historic teams such as Ferrari or McLaren – should be rewarding enough.
Regarding the upcoming campaign of F1, which will have no less than 5 world champions lined up for a 20-race long battle for the crown, Todt stopped short from making any predictions.
“We will have the longest ever season with new rules and tires and a grand prix in India. It is all very open and interesting, but I won't talk about the favorites,” said Todt.
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