When people hear the name Red Bull, most immediately think of energy drinks, extreme sports, or Formula 1 racing. However, the company has entered an entirely different world with one of its most ambitious creations yet: the Red Bull RB17, an extreme track-only hypercar designed by legendary Formula 1 aerodynamic genius Adrian Newey.
Unlike conventional road cars, the RB17 was created with one clear goal — delivering Formula 1-inspired performance without being restricted by road regulations. According to Red Bull, this hypercar was engineered to achieve lap times comparable to modern Formula 1 machinery.
The Birth of the RB17: Adrian Newey’s Unrestricted Dream
The story of the RB17 began during Adrian Newey’s involvement in the development of the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Although the Valkyrie became one of the most advanced road cars ever produced, Newey reportedly felt limited by the requirements needed to make the car road-legal.
Safety equipment, comfort features, and road regulations added weight and prevented him from fully realizing his original vision. From this frustration came the idea of creating a machine without restrictions — a pure performance vehicle built only for the racetrack.
That idea eventually became the Red Bull RB17.
Why Is It Called RB17?
The name RB17 has a special connection to Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 history.
Since the team entered Formula 1 in 2005, its cars have followed a numerical naming system, starting with the RB1, followed by the RB2, RB3, and so on.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sequence. In 2021, Red Bull used the RB16B because of Formula 1’s cost-saving regulations, which allowed teams to carry over much of their previous car design. The following season introduced the RB18, meaning the RB17 name was skipped.
Red Bull eventually used that missing number for its first-ever hypercar project.
From Gran Turismo to Reality
Before the RB17 became a real car, Adrian Newey had already explored the idea of an unrestricted racing machine through the Red Bull X2010 and X2014 concepts featured in the Gran Turismo video game series.
The virtual cars were created after Sony approached Newey to design a Formula 1-style vehicle without any technical limitations. The concept represented his dream of building the ultimate racing machine without regulations.
Years later, the RB17 finally transformed that fantasy into reality.
Interestingly, the RB17 was originally considered with an all-wheel-drive system. However, simulations showed that the extra weight would compromise Newey’s goal of creating an extremely lightweight machine. The final version therefore uses a rear-wheel-drive layout.
A Hypercar Designed for Everyone
Adrian Newey compared the philosophy behind the RB17 to golf. The sport can be enjoyed by both professionals and casual players, and Newey wanted the same idea for his hypercar.
Although the RB17 is an incredibly fast machine, it was designed to be accessible for owners with different levels of driving experience. The car features adjustable electronic systems that allow drivers to customize the driving experience.
Less experienced drivers can use assistance systems such as traction control, while professional drivers can unlock more aggressive settings for maximum performance.
Formula 1 Technology Without Formula 1 Restrictions
The RB17 incorporates several technologies inspired by Formula 1 systems that are currently banned in racing.
Active Suspension
The RB17 uses advanced active suspension technology inspired by Formula 1 innovations from the 1990s, including systems similar to those used on cars such as the legendary Williams FW14B.
This allows the suspension setup to continuously adjust depending on acceleration, braking, and cornering conditions.
Active Side Skirts
The hypercar also features active side skirts that automatically adjust to seal the aerodynamic floor.
Working together with the suspension system, the side skirts help maintain consistent aerodynamic performance by adapting in real time during cornering, braking, and acceleration.
Blown Diffuser
Inspired by Formula 1 aerodynamic concepts, the blown diffuser uses exhaust gases to improve airflow through the rear diffuser, increasing downforce and improving stability at high speeds.
Traction Control and ABS
Unlike Formula 1 cars, which prohibit these systems to increase driver involvement, the RB17 includes traction control and ABS to make the car safer and easier to control during track sessions.
A Naturally Aspirated V10 Built for Emotion
Initially, Adrian Newey considered using a twin-turbocharged V8 engine. However, he changed direction because he wanted a more emotional driving experience.
The final RB17 uses a 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine developed by Cosworth. One of the main reasons for choosing the V10 was the sound and character of the engine.
The powertrain produces:
- 1,200 horsepower total output
- 1,000 hp from the V10 engine
- 200 hp from the hybrid system
- 1,100 Nm of torque
- 15,000 rpm maximum engine speed
The engine also acts as a structural component, similar to Formula 1 cars and road cars such as the Ferrari F50.
Power is sent through a six-speed sequential gearbox, while reverse movement is handled through the electric motor system instead of a traditional reverse gear.
Extreme Performance Figures
Despite its hybrid technology and advanced aerodynamics, the RB17 focuses heavily on lightweight engineering.
Key specifications include:
- Dry weight: approximately 900 kg
- Downforce: up to 1.7 tons at 240 km/h
- Top speed: around 350 km/h
With this combination of low weight, massive downforce, and Formula 1-inspired engineering, the RB17 is designed to deliver a racing experience unlike almost any other production vehicle.
Only 50 Units Produced, All Sold Out
Red Bull will produce only 50 units of the RB17, and every example has already been sold.
The hypercar carries an estimated price tag of around $6 million, but owners receive far more than just the vehicle itself.
RB17 customers will gain access to exclusive Red Bull programs, including:
- Formula 1 simulator experiences
- Driver development programs
- Dedicated maintenance and support from Red Bull
The first customer deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
The Red Bull RB17 represents Adrian Newey’s ultimate vision: a machine free from road regulations, built purely around speed, aerodynamics, and the thrill of driving.
