Christian Horner was visibly emotional as he reacted to the death of his long-time boss, Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz.
The Austrian billionaire died on Saturday at the age of 78 after a long illness. Red Bull staff were informed of the news shortly before it was made public, as Sky Sports TV cameras spotted a crowd of employees emerging from a meeting in the team hospitality area in the Austin paddock with sombre faces.
Shortly after, Horner spoke to the broadcaster to pay tribute to a giant figure in Formula 1 and motorsport as a whole. "It's very, very sad," he said. "What a great man – he's few of a kind, what he achieved and what he's done for so many people around the world and across different sports is second to none.
"So many of us have to be so grateful to him for the opportunities he has provided, the vision that he had, the strength of character and never being afraid to follow and chase his dreams. That's what he did here in Formula 1, proving that you can make a difference.
"We're just incredibly grateful for him, everything he has done and everything he has supported us with over the years. So many drivers, so many team members, so many people in this pit lane know him so much.
"As he would have wanted, we now head into qualifying exactly how he would have wanted it to be. He was passionate about Formula 1, passionate about the team, and our determination is to go and do our best for him today and in the race tomorrow."
Max Verstappen did not manage to secure pole position for the United States Grand Prix, but did do enough to start on the front row alongside Carlos Sainz. After getting out of his car, he paid his own tribute to Mateschitz, who lived long enough to see the Dutchman secure his status as a double F1 world champion.
"It's been bad news for everyone. What he has meant for Red Bull and for the sport and especially for me, what he has done for me and my life... really tough," he said. "It's a tough day but we tried to give it everything today, but unfortunately missed out.
"There is still a race ahead of course and we will try to make him proud. I think our car normally is quicker in the race then qualifying. Today, already in qualifying was fine margins. I am expecting a good race."
