The current Formula 1 champion, Red Bull, unveiled its first hypercar on Friday (12). Named RB17, the model costs 5 million pounds. Inspired by F1, the sports car made its appearance during the “Goodwood Festival of Speed” held in West Sussex, England. The supercar is a creation of the iconic designer Adrian Newey, in partnership with the Advanced Technologies division of the team.
RB17: Adrian Newey’s Final Project for Red Bull
In addition to celebrating Red Bull’s 20 years in the most important championship in world motorsport, the RB17 is also the last work by Newey for the brand, as he will leave the position in March 2025. The prototype was first revealed in 2022 but underwent significant changes before reaching the final project.
One of the main changes is related to the engine. Initially, a turbocharged V8 inspired by F1 was considered. However, for weight and aerodynamic reasons, Newey opted for a central 4.5-liter V10 engine producing 1,000 hp at 1,500 rpm. Additionally, there is an electric motor, bringing the total power to 1,200 hp.
Designed and engineered for the tracks, the hypercar boasts impressive numbers. Weighing only 900 kg, the RB17 can reach a top speed of 350 km/h.
“I wanted a power unit capable of delivering 1,000 hp, but with a maximum of 150 kg in the combustion side. A turbocharged V8 engine would certainly work, but it doesn’t sound as good as a naturally aspirated one. Many people agree, including myself, that the peak of engine noise was the high-revving V10s that were in Formula 1 until the end of 2005,” Newey said during the static presentation.
According to the brand, components such as suspension are manufactured before parts like chassis and engine. It’s also possible that the product may have smaller dimensions compared to the model presented at the motorsport festival, attended by the team’s director and CEO, Christian Horner. He described the car as a “future classic.”
Some drivers also attended the event. Max Verstappen, the current three-time champion with Red Bull, and teammate Sergio Perez are some examples. Additionally, Daniel Ricciardo and David Coulthard were also seen at the location.
Only 50 Units
In addition to needing a substantial amount of money in the bank account, those who want to secure a RB17 unit will have to act fast to purchase one of the 50 units produced. According to the brand, the purchase includes a specific program to test the model on various exclusive circuits.
Each unit of the supercar can be customized according to the customer’s wishes, from the exterior paint to interior details. However, Red Bull states that while customization is possible, the idea is to keep the car as close to the original as possible to maintain performance.
The RB17 is not just a milestone in Red Bull’s history but also in Adrian Newey’s career. Priced at $5 million, the hypercar promises to be one of the most exclusive and desired vehicles in the world, ensuring that the brand continues to be synonymous with innovation and performance. The fortunate ones who manage to acquire one of the 50 units will not only own a piece of motorsport history but also experience the adrenaline that only an F1-inspired car can offer.
