$40 Billion Worth Red Bull Racing Co-Owner Mark Mateschitz Set to Race in 2026 Dakar Rally

Red Bull's co-owner and late Dietrich Mateschitz's son, Mark Mateschitz has set his sight on participating in the 2026 Dakar Rally.

$40 Billion Worth Red Bull Racing Co-Owner Mark Mateschitz Set to Race in 2026 Dakar Rally

Mark Mateschitz (via Planetf1)

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Red Bull managed to achieve a highly successful campaign in terms of results in the ground-effect era in Formula 1. The energy drink manufacturing giant has positioned itself well in the sports categories and is giving tough competition to rivals all around the world. Now, Red Bull has decided to expand their domain by racing in the Dakar Rally. The Thai giant’s co-owner, Mark Mateschitz, is set to race in the 2026 Dakar Rally.

Mark Mateschitz is the son of Red Bull’s co-founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, who oversaw the Formula 1 team for quite some time. Mateschitz Jr. operated well in the pinnacle of motorsport following the death of his father and continued the company’s success. Now, the 33-year-old has set his sights on leaping into the unknown and participating in the Dakar Rally in the 2026 season.

Notably, Mark Mateschitz will compete in the Ultimate car category, piloting the Toyota Hilux, which is one of the most successful cars in the sport. Meanwhile, Michael Zajc will be the navigator and co-pilot in the challenger. Mateschitz was linked to motorsports following his participation in several Baja events with Zajc as his partner.

Moreover, Mark Mateschitz also participated in the FIA’s World Rally-Raid Championship, albeit for just two rounds. As such, Mateschitz definitely has experienced what it’s like to race in such excruciating races. Remarkably, he has emerged as the first Red Bull administrative figure who is participating in sporting events, especially motorsports.

Hence, it will only allow the Thai giant to expand their already massive roster of participation in global sports. Mark Mateschitz will run under the alias of ‘Mark Mustermann’ so as not to draw any untoward attention to the sport from the media.

Mark Mateschitz’s partner Victoria Swarovski to also participate in 2026 Dakar Rally

Many notable names have participated in the Dakar Rally, with Carlos Sainz Sr., Jacky Ickx, and others being some of them. Certainly, the Dakar racing format in Saudi Arabia is one of the more interesting motorsport categories out there. As such, Mark Mateschitz isn’t the only Red Bull authority participating in the Dakar Rally, as his partner, Victoria Swarovski, is also set to race in 2026 under an alias.

Mark Mateschitz with his partner Victoria Swarovski (via Gala)
Mark Mateschitz with his partner Victoria Swarovski (via Gala)

Victoria Swarovski competes under the pseudonym of ‘Vic Flip’ just like Mark Mateschitz. It will be interesting to witness how the couple fares against the massive hopes banked on them by the Red Bull fans. Though Swarovski will participate in the Challenger class and not go directly against Mateschitz in the Dakar Rally.

The Dakar Rally has continued to grow in terms of viewership and audience globally. Following the likes of Mark Mateschitz and his partner’s entry, the sport will only achieve more growth. As such, it will be interesting to see if Mateschitz emerges as a regular participant in the Dakar Rally in the years to come or if it is a one-off appearance.

The racing is set to begin on 4th January, 2026, and Mark Mateschitz and his partner Victoria Swarovski have already been practicing hard. The two are leaping into the unknown and participating in this format for the first time. As such, eyes will be on the couple racing in different classes as they could set a new precedent for the Red Bull heirs to come.

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