Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, has announced that the RB17, the team’s upcoming track-only hypercar, will be unveiled later this year. While Red Bull Racing has a remarkable history in crafting Formula 1 cars, the RB17 represents their initial foray into the hypercar realm, distinct from their traditional F1 designs.
First introduced in 2022, the RB17, designed by F1 icon Adrian Newey, boasts a formidable 1,233 horsepower (919 kW/1,250 PS) and incorporates hybrid technology. Despite key specifications being shrouded in secrecy, Horner hinted in a recent Sky Sports interview that more details will be revealed when the car is officially showcased this year.
Reports suggest that the hypercar’s impressive power will be derived from a twin-turbo V8 engine, crafted by an undisclosed third party, complemented by an F1-style energy recovery system offering torque fill.
Adhering to Newey’s vision, the target curb weight is an ambitious 1,984 lbs (900 kg), showcasing the designer’s commitment to lightweight performance. This would make the RB17 lighter than the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro but slightly heavier than the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50s.
Newey’s expertise in aerodynamics is anticipated to shine through in the RB17, with reports indicating the use of ground effects—an aerodynamic principle where Red Bull Racing has demonstrated mastery over its F1 counterparts, highlighting Newey’s ingenuity.
Red Bull’s production plan involves crafting 50 RB17s at a rate of 15 per year, with deliveries set to commence in 2025. Prospective buyers should be prepared to invest £5 million ($6.37 million USD) for the track-only hypercar, although it comes with the caveat that it cannot be driven on public roads.
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