Mark Mateschitz: The 33-years old Red Bull heir acquires the most incredible F1 collection in history!
Owning a historic Formula 1 car is already a privilege. But buying 69 at once? That’s a power move few can afford. Yet that’s exactly what Mark Mateschitz, the sole heir to the Red Bull empire, has just done. With this $646 million acquisition, he secures a true treasure of motorsport, while shattering the record for the largest transaction in the world of collectible cars.
Read more:
- Michael Schumacher’s engine is up for sale, and its future owner might just pull off the deal of the century
- This race was an absolute carnage! It’s been years since we’ve had an F1 season opener with so few drivers at the finish
Who is Mark Mateschitz?
Mark Mateschitz, son of Dietrich Mateschitz, grew up in the shadow of a company that became a global powerhouse. Red Bull isn’t just an energy drink brand—it’s also a major player in sports, especially Formula 1, with the multi-time champion Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls teams. Since inheriting 49% of the family business in 2022, Mark has been making it clear that he intends to continue his father’s ambitious vision. His first major move is making headlines: acquiring one of the most impressive F1 collections ever assembled.
Bernie Ecclestone’s legendary $646M F1 collection
The collection, previously owned by former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, spans 70 years of motorsport history. Among its gems are Ferraris driven by Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Alberto Ascari, the Maserati 250F, and even the Brabham BT46B “fan car” that Niki Lauda raced. These cars aren’t just collector’s items—they’re pieces of racing history, representing an era when engineering innovation and bold decisions ruled the paddock. Unlike some collectors who prefer to keep their treasures locked away, Mateschitz has expressed a desire to make these cars accessible to the public. His goal? To create a space dedicated to preserving and showcasing them, allowing future generations to experience the evolution of Formula 1 firsthand.
Red Bull Racing at the top of F1
Beyond being an extravagant purchase, this acquisition is a strategic move. By associating his name and Red Bull with this collection, Mark Mateschitz strengthens the brand’s deep connection to Formula 1. Red Bull is already dominating the sport today, but this purchase goes beyond current competition—it’s about crafting a powerful narrative: Red Bull isn’t just about winning today, it’s about honoring the past as well. By securing this historic collection, Mateschitz is sending a clear message: Red Bull is more than just a top-tier F1 team—it’s a key figure in the sport’s heritage. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Red Bull organize exclusive events in the future, showcasing these legendary cars to celebrate its influence in motorsport.
Impulsive buy or strategic move?
Mateschitz isn’t just storing these cars in a warehouse. His ambition appears far greater: turning this collection into a living, breathing museum of Formula 1 history. The question remains where and how he plans to exhibit these cars, but Austria, Red Bull’s home turf, seems like a natural choice for a museum or interactive experience that could become a must-visit destination for F1 fans. This isn’t just a billionaire indulging in an expensive hobby. Mark Mateschitz is executing a strategy that blends emotion, heritage, and vision for the future. He is positioning Red Bull not only as a dominant racing team but also as a cultural and historical icon of motorsport—an angle that could further strengthen the brand’s identity and legacy.
This article explores Mark Mateschitz’s strategy following his acquisition of Bernie Ecclestone’s legendary F1 collection. More than just a high-profile purchase, it’s a statement of ambition that cements Red Bull’s place in the history of motorsport. The question now is: how will he use this priceless collection to shape the future of the sport?
Source: Forbes
