Adrian Newey’s passion project has arrived.
On Friday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Red Bull Racing unveiled the RB17 Hypercar, Newey’s latest design for the team. Instead of a Formula 1 car that will power Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez around some of the most famous circuits in the world, the RB17 will be available for consumers.
Not many consumers, however, as only 50 are planned to be manufactured.
According to the official announcement, the RB17 “features a two-seater carbon [fiber] monocoque chassis with a semi-stressed mid-mounted naturally aspirated V10 engine that is redlined at 15,000 rpm.” In addition, “[w]eighing under 900 kg and with more than 1,200 HP, the RB17 delivers F1-equivalent lap times and top speeds in excess of 350 kph, while remaining easy to own and operate.”
Red Bull promises each owner a “full customer journey,” complete with “[o]ne-of-a-kind driver development and tailoring of the car to suit individual driver’s needs is part of the unique experience. Each RB17 will be bespoke, with customers able to specify everything from the exterior paint [color] to interior materials, and a whole host of smaller details.”
Team Principal Christian Horner called it a “future classic” at the launch. “We are excited to reveal the RB17 at Goodwood Festival of Speed, a project that is one of the most authentic and exciting that Red Bull Advanced Technolgoies has embarked upon to date,” said Horner. “With 20 years of legacy in the world of F1 to draw from, and as a performance centred organisation, it only made sense for us to design our own Hypercar from the ground up. Combining technical innovation, achievement and emotional appeal, the RB17 is a landmark car. I’m very proud of the Team and am delighted to see it make its world debut. We expect the RB17 to be a future classic.”
Newey highlighted how the two-seater aspect of the RB17 allows owners to experience F1-type speeds with a friend along for the ride.
“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,” said Newey. “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.”
The launch comes as speculation continues to swirl around Newey’s next destination. It was announced ahead of the Miami Grand Prix that Newey would be leaving Red Bull in early 2025, and the legendary engineer and designer has been linked with numerous teams around the paddock, including Williams, Aston Martin, and Ferrari.
According to reporting out of Motorsport Italy, however, Newey has allegedly spurred Ferrari’s advances in recent days. Instead, Newey’s reported desire to remain in England has seen Aston Martin and McLaren emerge as favorites for his services.
Newey previously worked for McLaren from 1997 to 2005, and designed the MP4/13 and the MP4/14, both of which Mika Häkkinen drove to Drivers’ Championships in 1998 and 1999. McLaren won the Constructors’ Championship in 1998 with the MP4/13 as well.
Newey’s decision is expected later this season.
