The V10 powered hypercar is the work of Adrian Newey and Red Bull Advanced Technologies.

Goodwood Festival of Speed was the location for the grand reveal of the RB17, the much anticipated Red Bull hypercar and passion project of Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey. As part of Red Bull Racing’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Newey was joined by Team Principal Christian Horner and Red Bull Advanced Technologies Technical Director Rob Gray at the unveiling.

Newey led the development of the track only RB17 in conjunction with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, beginning with initial sketches of the car during the early stages of 2021. Juggling his work with the Red Bull Racing F1 team, Newey aimed to create a hypercar with F1 power and the result very much fits the brief.

Design and Specifications

Its RB17 design is as outrageous as the Aston Martin Valkyrie, another of Newey’s creations, and features a two-seater carbon fibre monocoque chassis with a mid-mounted 4.5 litre naturally aspirated V10 engine that produces 1,200 hp and 15,000 rpm. It weighs less than 900kg and has a top speed of around 217 mph.

In terms of regulations, Newey and his team have been able to operate in a less restrictive environment, creating the car with Le Mans hypercar class regulations in mind and including a diffuser and side skirts, both of which are banned in F1. Up to 1.7 tonnes of downforce (nearly double its weight) can be generated largely due to the detailed aerodynamics.

Technology and Innovations

Ideas have been borrowed from the F1 side, like the pushrod suspension which controls ride height, roll and mechanical balance. Carbon fibre brakes are used to stop the 18 inch carbon fibre wheels with custom Michelin slick tyres as standard. These can be traded for 20-inch wheels with treaded tyres if chosen.

The exciting opportunity to buy an RB17 is available with 50 coming up for sale for the eye watering price of £5.75 million. Each RB17 will be bespoke, with clients able to choose everything from paint colour to interior materials, while being invited to a range of events to experience some of the world’s greatest circuits. Production is set to start in 2025 at Red Bull’s campus in Milton Keynes. 

Future of Adrian Newey

Newey will continue to work on the RB17 until its completion after stepping away from Red Bull Racing F1 duties. He will then leave Red Bull with recent rumours suggesting a move to Aston Martin or McLaren is more likely than Ferrari, due to Newey wanting to remain UK based.

Adrian Newey, Group Chief Technical Officer commented: “I had been mulling around the idea to take on the challenge to design our very own Hypercar, from concept to delivery, for many years and it has been a magnificent project and journey. For it to finally be the day we pull the covers off and see the birth of the RB17, is truly remarkable. The RB17 Hypercar embraces everything we stand for: undeniable power, speed and beauty. It is very adaptable in its abilities, and we made sure to design it as a two seater so that the thrill of driving at F1 speeds can be enjoyed with a friend or partner.”

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Red Bull