Adrian Newey's Red Bull RB17 Hypercar Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Red Bull has introduced the RB17, a hypercar designed by their Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey, as his final project with the team. Only 50 of these cars will be made. Red Bull promises that every RB17 will be customised to each buyer's preferences, with options for paint colour, interior design, and other fine details. The RB17 is entirely designed, developed, and built in-house at Red Bull Advanced Technologies. The hypercar boasts a two-seat carbon fibre monocoque chassis, a semi-stressed mid-mounted V10 engine, and a carbon fibre gearbox powering the rear wheels.

Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner said: '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 Technologies has embarked upon to date. 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.'

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Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey said: '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.'

Red Bull RB 17 Hypercar: Design

The RB17 was designed to meet the rigorous safety standards of the Le Mans Hypercar class. As a track-only vehicle, Adrian Newey incorporated an advanced ground effect package, including a blown diffuser and side skirts—both of which are banned in Formula 1. This ground effect aerodynamics alone produces up to 1.7 tonnes of downforce, working alongside active aerodynamic elements on the front and rear wings.

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The car features an F1-style pushrod suspension with active control over ride height, roll, and mechanical balance, paired with adjustable dampers for optimal performance. It runs on 18-inch full carbon fibre wheels with custom Michelin slick tyres to ensure exceptional grip and handling.

Red Bull RB 17 Hypercar: Engine

This two-seater hypercar has a mid-engine design and produces over 1,200bhp. It uses a 4.5-litre V-10 engine with electric assistance, allowing it to rev up to 15,000 rpm. 

Weighing 900kgs, it offers Formula 1-level performance. Power goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox, with the electric motor adding 200bhp to the V-10’s 1,000bhp. It has traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a top speed of over 350km/h.

Being a track-only car, Red Bull will host private track events for customers and invite owners to exclusive celebrations, simulator sessions, and social events.