Red Bull Heir Mark Mateschitz to Race Dakar Rally Under Alias

Red Bull's majority shareholder, Mark Mateschitz, is set to compete in the 2026 Dakar Rally under the alias "Mark Mustermann." This move marks a significant step into the public competitive arena for the F1 powerbroker, who has largely remained behind the scenes since inheriting the company. He will partner with navigator Michael Zajc, driving a Toyota Hilux in the premier Ultimate category.

Why it matters:

• Mateschitz's entry is a rare public appearance for the Red Bull heir, who has typically operated behind the scenes since his father's passing in 2022.
• It directly links the dominant force in Formula 1 to the world's most demanding off-road endurance rally, showcasing a different facet of the Red Bull motorsport portfolio.
• The move signals a personal passion for the sport, stepping out from his corporate role to tackle a formidable challenge.

The details:

• The Entry: Mateschitz will race as "Mark Mustermann" in the Ultimate car category, piloting a Toyota Hilux—a proven and victorious Dakar competitor.
• Experience: He will be co-driven by Michael Zajc. The duo has prior experience from several Baja events and rounds of the 2024 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, giving them valuable seat time in extreme conditions.
• A Second Challenger: Mateschitz's partner, Victoria Swarovski, will also compete under a pseudonym, "Vic Flip," in the Challenger class—a category for developing talent in lighter, prototype-style vehicles.

Looking Ahead:

With both entries opting for aliases, the focus will shift entirely to their performance against seasoned professionals when the rally begins in Saudi Arabia. While their recent rally-raid experience provides a solid foundation, the Dakar Rally's extreme length and difficulty present a unique and formidable challenge. Successfully navigating the event would be a significant personal achievement for Mateschitz and a strong statement of intent from both competitors.