RB17 revealed: Adrian Newey’s last Red Bull car design

The final Red Bull car designed by its departing design guru Adrian Newey has been revealed.

The RB17 hypercar has been a pet project of Newey’s for years and now we have our first proper look at the track-only car, of which only 50 will be sold.

The RB17 hypercar is powered by a semi-stressed mid-mounted naturally-aspirated V10 engine that redlines at 15,000rpm and helps the car produce “F1-equivalent laptimes”. It weighs under 900kg and can deliver top speeds in excess of 218mph (350kph)

A team of engineers from Red Bull Advanced Technologies, led by Newey, designed the car over several years.

“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,” Newey – who will leave the energy drink giant’s employ in a few months’ time – said, speaking at a launch event at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

“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.”

Red Bull has promised that each RB17 client will be “welcomed into the Red Bull family with a full customer journey” including the chance to drive on some of the “world’s greatest circuits”.

Customers can specify their exterior paint colours as well as interior materials and other minor details. They’ll also receive driver development training and car tailoring to suit their needs.

“[This is a] project that is one of the most authentic and exciting that Red Bull Advanced Technologies has embarked upon to date,” Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner said.

“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.”