The Red Bull RB17: Adrian Newey’s Ultimate Track Weapon Takes Final Form
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1 engineering, few names command as much reverence as Adrian Newey. The legendary aerodynamicist, whose designs have propelled Red Bull Racing to multiple championships since 2006—not to mention his earlier triumphs at Williams and McLaren—has long dreamed of channeling F1 innovation into a road-legal hypercar.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
That vision materialized in the Red Bull RB17, a track-only beast unveiled in prototype form at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. But as Newey transitioned to Aston Martin in 2025, he left Red Bull with one final gift: the refined “v2.0” production design, revealed in early January 2026, blending raw performance with practical refinements.
The RB17’s journey began under Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT), the engineering arm behind the F1 team’s dominance. Newey, as Group Chief Technical Officer, spearheaded the project, drawing on two decades of F1 expertise to create a machine that delivers grand prix-level lap times without the regulatory constraints of racing series. “I’ve been mulling this idea for many years,” Newey reflected at the initial reveal, emphasizing its blend of power, speed, beauty, and adaptability for two passengers—allowing owners to share the thrill with a friend or partner.
The hypercar’s heart is a bespoke 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine, crafted by Cosworth and semi-stressed into the carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Revving to a spine-tingling 15,000 rpm, it produces around 1,000 horsepower, augmented by a 200-horsepower electric motor for a total output exceeding 1,200 horsepower. This hybrid setup not only boosts torque but cleverly handles reverse gear, shaving weight from the six-speed sequential carbon fiber gearbox. The exhaust note, tuned with ten-into-one manifolds, evokes the iconic scream of the late-1990s McLaren-Mercedes MP4/15 F1 car—a nostalgic nod to Newey’s storied past.
Aerodynamically, the RB17 is a masterclass in airflow mastery. Its footprint mirrors a modern F1 racer, with fan-assisted downforce generating up to 1,700 kg—enabling cornering forces of 5G, rivaling endurance prototypes. The final design, sharper and more aggressive than the prototype, incorporates deep airflow channels, a roof-mounted intake feeding the mid-mounted V10, and refined cooling vents scattered across the body for optimal thermal management. A standout feature is the massive “sailfish” fin atop the engine cover, enhancing high-speed stability with Le Mans-style aesthetics. Newey’s personal touch shines in the relocated exhaust outlet along the spine, a late change that demanded innovative heat shielding to mitigate fire risks while boosting efficiency.
Practicality meets performance in the updates: L-shaped “hockey-stick” LED headlights give the front end a menacing “face,” while side mirrors and a windshield wiper address real-world track usability. The butterfly doors, front-hinged for easier access, allow drivers to stand on the seat before sliding in— a far cry from the roof-pivoting gullwings of Newey’s earlier Aston Martin Valkyrie. Inside, the cockpit prioritizes function over flash, adhering to Le Mans prototype crash standards for safety. A rectangular steering wheel houses a central screen and dials, flanked by tactile physical knobs on the console—no touchscreens or haptics here, ensuring intuitive operation under extreme G-forces.
Tipping the scales at under 900 kg (about 1,984 lbs), the RB17 promises top speeds over 350 kph and lap times that could secure pole position at F1 circuits, outpacing even Max Verstappen’s machinery. Extensive testing in F1 simulators and dynos has already logged thousands of miles, with on-track shakedowns slated for various grand prix venues this summer. Production of the 50 limited-edition units—all already spoken for—kicks off in Britain next spring, with each buyer receiving a bespoke experience: custom paint, interiors, and even driver development programs on the world’s premier circuits.
Priced north of £5 million (roughly $6.7 million), the RB17 isn’t just a car; it’s a testament to Newey’s enduring legacy at Red Bull. Even from his new perch at Aston Martin, he consulted on the final tweaks, available “by phone” as RBAT technical director Rob Gray noted. As the hypercar evolves from concept to customer deliveries, it stands as a bridge between F1’s cutting edge and the ultimate enthusiast’s dream—proving that Newey’s genius knows no bounds.
